Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere

Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere - Explorer, Endurance Athlete (& former model)

Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere (formerly Cooper) proves that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. As Katie says: we just need to be bold enough to begin.'

Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere worked hard to build a career as a successful model. Working for M&S and Alexander McQueen among many others, Katie also took opportunities to work in the film-world, acting as Cameron Diaz's body-double in 'The Holiday'. Meeting experienced adventurer Tarka L'Herpiniere changed everything. Katie knew she wasn't afraid of a challenge. She had proved her skill in sport (competing successfully on horseback at Eventing) but Tarka's suggestion they do a major expedition was something else. As romance bloomed, Katie and Tarka began a 6 month trek of the Great Wall of China - the most complete journey ever undertaken.

It wasn't exactly an easy option. Katie-Jane had to commit herself to endurance training, putting on 3 stone and prepare herself mentally for the challenge. An award-winning film about the expedition 'The Great Walk of China' reveals how Katie faced blizzards, temperatures of -35C, frost bite, starvation, exhaustion and dehydration. During the trek, Katie went to hospital - twice. She lost an inch in height from the weight of her backpack. Staying motivated and focused on her goals was vital.

Despite the odds, Katie and Tarka completed this greatest of journeys from the West to the East - through the Gobi Desert and the sub-zero temperatures of the mountains. They completed 4300km (3,000 miles) in 167 days (this is the equivalent of 102 marathons). A world-first.

Since then Katie has cycled through Ethiopia, worked on an environmental project at the North Pole and completed the first major crossing by a woman of the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap (facing extreme storms and surviving 5 days in a makeshift shelter when their tent failed in a storm). The Rivers of Ice Expedition in Patagonia made the international news for Katie & Tarka's courage in the face of danger.

It is a fascinating story. Katie demonstrates that we can embrace change, leave our comfort zones, survive tough times and achieve what seems impossible. Katie is passionate about awaking potential in others.

Speaker Topics

• Katie's unique view on The Great Walk of China & Rivers of Ice Expedition
• Having the courage to change
• Staying motivated in tough times
• Setting & achieving goals

Rave Reviews - 'Tarka and Katie went down a storm - they were fantastic and I am really pleased we chose them as our speakers. Feedback was all extremely positive. They were both such lovely down-to-earth people, wanting to share their experiences and the story is amazing. Certainly made the audience think about 'what's next' in life.' (Midlands Excellence)

Speaking Style - vivacious and charming, Katie brings alive her journey through remote, rural China. Katie's story is delivered with good-natured humour and candid honesty. Audiences enjoy hearing about her transformation from glamorous model to endurance adventurer. Katie offers an entertaining and fascinating Dual Talk with Tarka L'Herpiniere 'Both Sides of the Story' as well as solo engagements.

Download Katie-Jane's full profile here

Download Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere's Testimonials here

Download Press Quotes about Katie-Jane & Tarka here

Motivational | After Dinner | Inspirational | Superb footage & Images