Trading Up
Join Jim Fitzpatrick as he welcomes former professional cricket player and Ireland International, Andrew Patterson. Andrew shares his incredible journey
November 26, 2025
Patto’s life took a challenging turn when he was diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. This condition meant that he was reliant on a wheelchair and faced a huge life adjustment.
After playing cricket at a professional level and representing his country, Patto transitioned into a successful and much-loved schoolteacher. He was a huge part of the school’s physical education department and used his bachelor’s degree in Sports Science and master’s degree in journalism to develop students and support them to achieve their dreams.
Refusing to accept the wheelchair bound prognosis, he found a groundbreaking operation that allowed him to defy the odds. He flew to the US to have two-thirds of the nerves in his spine severed and complete intensive rehabilitation.
Through sheer determination, Patto recently accomplished a significant milestone: completing a 5km walk in just under nine hours. His story is a powerful testament to perseverance, adapting to life’s challenges, and never giving up. It highlights the vital importance of resilience—a lesson Patto has embraced and now shares with others.
Patto believes passionately that resilience is a skill anyone can develop. His talks at schools, colleges, universities, and businesses, not only inspire but also empower participants to cultivate their own resilience.
Join Jim Fitzpatrick as he welcomes former professional cricket player and Ireland International, Andrew Patterson. Andrew shares his incredible journey
I recently had the privilege of delivering a talk for Reigate Samaritans and the experience felt very much like returning
I recently had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at Bedales Prep School, and what an inspiring experience it was.