Ed Jackson: How Nearly Losing His Life Gave Him a New Reason to Live

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with former rugby player Ed Jackson to explore his extraordinary journey of resilience and reinvention. After a devastating spinal injury ended his career, Ed was forced to confront his own mortality—but instead of giving up, he found a new purpose. He shares the mindset shifts that helped him defy expectations, the road to recovery, and how his near-death experience inspired him to live life to the fullest. From scaling mountains against all odds to empowering others to overcome their own challenges, Ed’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and the strength of the human spirit. Inspiring, uplifting, and deeply moving—this is one you won’t want to miss.

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(00:00) Intro

(01:38) Childhood and Beginnings in Rugby

(06:51) The Power of Luck

(08:33) Parenting: Nature vs. Nurture

(14:26) Rugby Career

(16:30) Falling in Love

(19:01) The Accident That Changed Everything

(30:36) Confronting Death and Embracing Life

(36:38) Adobe Ad

(37:54) Life360 Ad

(39:03) Falling in Love With Being Alive

(44:59) Paralysis and His Time in the Hospital

(48:13) How My Support Network Saved My Life

(51:02) Finding Motivation and the Road to Rehabilitation

(54:06) The Recovery Journey

(1:03:06) The Role of Friends and Family in Recovery

(1:13:13) Millimeters to Mountains: A New Mission

(1:27:25) Almost Dying on a Mountain

(1:37:59) My Most Important Life Lessons

(1:42:09) Being a Role Model and Redefining Masculinity

(1:46:05) Final Thoughts with Davina

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