Lucky

by Ed Jackson

‘What a story and what an inspirational human. Ed is a total legend.’ Joe Wicks ‘A life-affirming story . . . inspirational’ Tim Peake The Sunday Times Bestseller From tragedy to triumph, one step at a time – an inspirational story of triumph over adversity against the odds At just 28 years old, Ed Jackson was told he would never walk again. After a miscalculated dive into a pool, he suffered multiple cardiac arrests, a broken neck and a partially severed spinal cord. Lying paralysed in intensive care, the former rugby player knew his life would never be the same. But he wasn’t ready to give up hope. Driven by relentless determination, Ed embarked on an incredible journey to independence. Millimetre by millimetre, he began to regain movement in his fingers and toes. Defying the expectations of even the most optimistic doctors, step by step, Ed began to walk again. Fuelled by a renewed appreciation for life and a determination to help others suffering similar injuries to his own, Ed set his sights on a new mountaineering. Embarking on a gruelling climb to raise funds for a spinal unit in Kathmandu, Ed realises that, once again, the odds are stacked against him. Will he be able to overcome his own life-changing injury and transform others’ lives for the better? Lucky is the story of how Ed faced the impossible when it seemed all hope was lost, and shows how you, too, can overcome the biggest challenges that life sends your way. Lucky was a Sunday Times bestseller in the w/b August 9th 2021 Ed Jackson's book 'Lucky' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 02-08-2021.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Book Club, Audiobook, Autobiography

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2025

Reviews

[BEATRICE]

Such an amazing story! Ed Jackson has a mind like no other and a heart of gold. I’m so pleased he was willing to share his personal journey with the general public. Saying that he doesn’t regret the accident was a very powerful message to pass on.

[Conrad Lennard]

Moved me to tears

[Dennis Cartwright]

Inspiring

[Mark Turner]

A hugely inspiring story or pure grit and determination in the face of total adversity!

[Nareece Biggs]

Wow, I wish I had this book when I was in neuro rehab and going through the process of trying to get that one finger or toe moving again!

This book has not only captured a raw and familiar experience of paralysis but highlighted how important mentality and state of mind can be when healing. The necessity of being a self advocate and finding out your own best course of therapy as the NHS is so underfunded. That simply relearning to sit, then stand, then walk is not nearly enough because climbing mountains may be possible again for some and the human body is capable of so so much! (Hopefully one day that will be me).

This book breaks down the adjustments to a disabled lifestyle, not just physically but emotionally as well. Home adaptations, effects on relationships, the preparations to be able to travel and loosing some independence but most importantly the need for support and community!

Inspirational doesn't do this justice, I feel seen in my own personal experience, educated by Ed's experiences and in awe of how this biography has captured so many necessary conversations and topics all through documenting his own journey.

Thankful for this book and will be continuously recommending.

Random selection from BorrowBox (UK Library books)

[Karen Mace]

In this book Ed Jackson shares an astonishingly powerful message and I'm in total awe of him and the impact of the positive mental attitude that has helped him come to terms with his accident and not let it stop him! The bravery and determination he shows throughout is inspiring!

As he looks back over the accident that changed his life, he shares important messages about the power of the mind and how being supported by equally positive friends and family, gave him the fight within to look for new opportunities and challenges. It shows how quickly life can change in the blink of an eye and I was left in total admiration as he shared those moments as they unfolded. He would keep setting himself little challenges to inspire himself to keep moving forward mentally and physically and also looked to others who had suffered spinal injuries before him to keep pushing himself.

A brilliant read and an inspirational man!!

[Katie]

This book was thought provoking, inspiring and extremely moving. I picked it up as my husband had been through something similar last year, albeit a brain injury, and even went to the same hospital and neuro ward as Ed.

Ed’s journey was similar to my husband’s in terms of a sudden accident, ICU, learning to walk again and extensive rehab and Ed’s story showed that with positivity, the right support and determination, you can get through the worst things life can throw at you.

As well as being a great read, the book has also helped me understand what my own husband went through and how to support him more going forward. He has also read the book and took a lot of inspiration from it and often re-reads bits that inspire him.

Overall a fantastic book that shows how to overcome adversity when your life suddenly changes. I also recommend Ed’s podcast interview with Davina McCall.

[Nicola C]

I knew nothing about Ed Jackson till I read this book & the event that shaped Eds life & for the change in circumstances has a knock on effect on changing the lives of others through determination and perseverance & with that support of others,Eds triumph over a spinal injury and his enduring desire to help others shines through.
I like books that make you reflect on your own life & this book prompted me to write down the importance of things I enjoy in my life and look at what I can do better and change.
It's a book full of positivity and we all need to keep that within us I recommend this book.

[Linda Cole]

Ed;s book is inspirational, positive and full of the joy of feeling really small in the big natural world. That natural world is a tool for health and wellbeing that Ed introduces the reader to, as well as those he works with in his charity, millimetres2mountains.

Ed's book is well-written, friendly and literally takes you on his journey from the depths of a shallow swimming pool, to the hospital to the mountain. It takes you on a tour of mountain top moments and deep lows. Ed is currently climbing an unclimbed mountain on the other side of the world.

[Chanté Du Preez]

I don't usually read autobiographies, but picked this one up due to the cover, and only realised when I got home it was an autobiography. But let me tell you, I think that's the good thing about it, I think I needed to read this, needed to get motivated, needed to read about reality that can seem so horrible at the time but using it to a type of advantage. I recommend this to everyone, whether you read fiction or nonfiction, this is a must read.

[Vicki Duncan]

Ed’s life changed in a second when he dived into the shallow end of a swimming pool and immediately couldn’t move. Luckily his Dad was there and was able to get him up off the bottom of the pool and there began Ed’s fight for survival.

Not only did Ed pull through but this memoir documents his journey to walking again, when all prognosis’s were that he would remain paralysed.

I would recommend the audiobook as Ed has a great voice! I raced through this and found it very inspiring.

[Kichel Monique]

What an amazing and inspirational story! Ed Jackson’s raw account of his determination through his on going recovery has made me believe that all things are possible with self belief. Such a lovely book to start and enter the new year with. Definitely a book that I will reflect on and pass around to inspire people throughout my life.

[Shirley]

An absolutely astounding story about rugby player Ed Jackson who dived into his family pool and ended up with a severed spinal cord. Amazingly he ended up being able to walk again and climb mountains.

[Joshua Parsons]

After learning about Ed’s story from a friend that worked with him at the Bath RUH and then meeting briefly on a hike going in different directions last year as soon I heard about this book I knew it was a must and it did not disappoint! Very Inspirational stuff!

[Ange]

Awesome read! This might be one of the best autobiographies I've read. This book made me appreciate all the little things in life I take for granted - able to move freely, work out, walk, drive a car etc. Ed is down to earth and makes you see the world in a different light.

[Amy Vonder]

This is a great story of perspective & purpose. Imagine being in peak physical health one minute & a quadraplegic the next. Humbling & motivating book, especially on a morning walk, breathing & moving and truly appreciating what a gift that is!

[Ciara Lucie]

Moving, inspiring and thought provoking. Ed’s journey really is incredible and his determination and hard work is clear to see. However I liked that he acknowledged his privilege and wanted to use his experience to help others who might not have been like him.

[Gillian]

What a brilliant book and such an amazing guy along with the help of his wife and family who kept his spirits up with their love and support. He deserves all the luck in the world.

[Lee Fielder]

Incredible story. He truly is an inspirational human being.

[Lax]

Inspirational stuff

[Jess Crichard]

Emotional, thought provoking and honest, eye opening account of such a traumatic injury

[Flora]

So inspiring!! A good reminder that there's no such thing as false hope

[Ross Happell]

Inspirational, evocative. What this guy has been through defies believe

[Minnie]

Really interesting and inspiring account of his life with SCI and what he has overcome in the years following.

[Emily]

I think I was close to crying throughout and some tears slipped out on the plane back from Porto. It was incredible, inspiring and I can’t wait to meet Ed next week!

[Eloise Tanguy]

Amazing

[Beth Krasemann]

Amazing story of a complete comeback from a terrible accident. Reminds us to be grateful for all we can do!

[George Swinburne]

Not only lucky lad but a positive light to readers

Positive, engaging, funny and simply a feel good book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and recommend the book to all for a different and unique perspective on life.

[Andrea]

Very interesting story, gripping from the very start.
Inspirational and life-affirming.
Would recommend - couldn't put it down!

[Carol G]

Loved this book what an inspiration