Press Release

Award-winning broadcaster, writer and adventurer Ben Fogle joined UK law firm Shoosmiths to recount tales of resilience from his illustrious career to a packed audience of the firm’s clients and contacts on Wednesday evening.

More than 200 members of Northern Ireland’s business community gathered at Belfast’s The Merchant Hotel to hear the star speak about his experience of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, his expedition to the summit of Mount Everest, and how he overcame challenges along the way.

Guests at the event heard of how Ben coped while being stranded at sea, miles from any shipping routes after having been capsized by a huge wave two thirds into the Atlantic Rowing Race with Olympic Gold Medallist rower James Cracknell OBE. Ben then shared how teamwork and resilience enabled him to summit Everest, thanks to the heroic acts of experienced Sherpa Ming Dorjee, and mountaineer Kenton Cool, who gave him their oxygen equipment in the death zone when his failed twice.

Mark Blair, co-head of the Belfast office, commented: “It was an honour to hear Ben speak about the challenges he has faced on his numerous adventures and how he overcame them. He spoke of some life-or-death situations and the resilience and resolve that was required to get through them, which was incredibly interesting.

“It was great to see that our clients and friends in attendance enjoyed it so much. I’d like to thank all of our clients, contacts and colleagues who attended, and for their tremendous support.

Gillian Crotty, co-head of the Belfast office added: “We all know Ben from his award-winning programmes on TV, but getting to know the Ben behind the camera and what drives him was really enlightening.

“It was a pleasure to meet Ben and to share this unique experience with the leading lights of Northern Ireland’s business community. The level of client support we received for the event from our clients really made it a fantastic evening ”