Born with cystic fibrosis, told he'd never survive his teens — ran marathons with bleeding lungs.
Bradley Dryburgh was born with cystic fibrosis and told, early in his life, that he was unlikely to survive into adulthood. He survived. More than that — he ran marathons. He did so with lungs that bled during races, pushing past a physical limit that most people without a chronic illness would consider their absolute ceiling. He went on to found the #42forCF campaign, raising more than $100,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Australia, and was recognised with the organisation's Patron Award. He also hosts a podcast, continuing to use his platform to put a human face on a disease that affects thousands of Australians.
What Dryburgh's story offers is not simply the spectacle of physical endurance against the odds. It is a clear-eyed account of what it means to define your own limits when the medical system, for good reason, has defined them for you — and to decide, with full knowledge of the risks, that you are going to test them anyway. There is nothing reckless in his approach. There is something far more interesting: the deliberate, informed decision to live fully rather than cautiously.
For corporate conferences, workplace wellbeing programs, mental health awareness events and fundraising dinners, Bradley Dryburgh speaks with a directness that cuts through polished presentations and motivational tropes. He is not performing resilience — he has lived it, at a level most audiences will find genuinely confronting and genuinely moving. The message he leaves is not about running. It is about what becomes possible when you refuse to let someone else's prognosis define your ceiling.
Bradley Dryburgh is a keynote speaker based in New South Wales who speaks on inspiration, mental health & wellbeing and motivation. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
Research shows that having a sense of purpose is good for our well-being and leads to better outcomes in health, wealth and happiness. In this talk, Bradley shares how finding his purpose — to change the story of cystic fibrosis — transformed his life and led to extraordinary outcomes despite extraordinary challenges.
Adversity is a normal part of the human experience. Yet many of us feel underprepared when challenges arise. In this talk, Bradley draws on his experience of living with a life-limiting illness to offer practical and inspiring insights on developing genuine resilience — not the kind that merely copes, but the kind that grows.
Time & time again, we hear successful teams & individuals talk about 'controlling the controllable'. In this talk, Bradley explores how mastering perspective and cultivating deep self-belief are the foundations of extraordinary performance — and how anyone can develop these qualities, regardless of their circumstances.
Bradley's presentation was one of the most powerful and moving talks I've heard. His story is remarkable and his message is one everyone needs to hear.Country Manager, Viatris
Bradley delivered a keynote that was raw, honest and deeply inspiring. Our team were moved to tears and to action.Principal Consultant, Batavi Special Projects
Bradley embodies the very best of the human spirit. His advocacy for our community is extraordinary and his speaking inspires all who hear him.CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Australia
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