John's story
The beginning
John grew up in rural Leicestershire & acquired sight loss during his teens which detoteriorated rapidly in his 20's. Following a challenging period of rehabilitation, mobility training & adjustment, JDL started work, embracing communications & campaigning on disability and LGBT issues.
the journey
John started his journey into disability sports after losing his sight and discovering skiing recreationally.
JDL started a huge programme of strength, fitness & ski training investing thousands of hours to achieve the basic fitness required to be considered for the GB development programme.
This was all achieved alongside continuing rehabilitation, a full-time job and no financial support or sponsorship.
Champion & Campaigner
John went on to become GB's first openly LGBT winter sport athlete competing at an international level. In another first, John became the first blind male to qualify, and subsequently win the European Cup.
JDL also won both British Championship titles 2 years running and retired in 2017 in the World Top ten. John continues to ski recreationally and has taken up tandem cycling having cycled from Lincoln to Paris in 4 days and participated in a number of road races.
John now uses his platform to actively campaign and advocate on a range of LGBTQ+ and Disability issues.
Work with John
Leadership
Communications
Communications
As a senior leader, John has a toolkit full of ideas, strategies & solutions that have been tried & tested in real world scenarios including the office & the piste!
Communications
Communications
Communications
JDL is a senior, seasonsed communications professional in a range areas from campaigns to media to public affairs or marketing, Offering addition experiences from both the LGBT and disability sectors will provide valuable insights on inclusion and accessibility. John will provide strategic and tactical contributions to help you & your work.
Athlete Inspiration
Curious? Get in touch!
Curious? Get in touch!
John is available for media, public speaking & advocacy. JDL has a strong interest in LGBT+ & disability rights with lived experience of the challenges.
partnerships & campaigning
Athlete Ally
Marks & Spencer
Athlete Ally
John is a Global Ambassaor for Athlete Ally - the leading LGBTQ+ sporting organisation
Stonewall
Marks & Spencer
Athlete Ally
John is a Sporting Champion for Stonewall UK acting playing his part as athlete advocate for their LGBT inclusive Rainbow Laces campaign
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer
Sports Media LGBT+
In 2020 JDL worked closely with M&S to design a new assistance dog training module for all its employees. John was refused entry to an M&S store in London & was determined to take action to stop these occuring and build disability awareness. By building a partnership with M&S & RNIB, John hopes to secure positive change for all assistance dog owners
Sports Media LGBT+
Sports Media LGBT+
Sports Media LGBT+
JDL is delighted to work with Sports Media LGBT+ whenever possible. A great organisation which continues to make a massive difference in worlds of sport & media. John joined a panel at their #AuthenticMe event in 2019. Check out their toolkit on how to talk and report on LGBT+ people & issues in sport. As a professional communicator & as
JDL is delighted to work with Sports Media LGBT+ whenever possible. A great organisation which continues to make a massive difference in worlds of sport & media. John joined a panel at their #AuthenticMe event in 2019. Check out their toolkit on how to talk and report on LGBT+ people & issues in sport. As a professional communicator & as an athlete, John will always be a proud supporter of their work
GB Snowsport
Sports Media LGBT+
GB Snowsport
John is providing his expertise on LGBT and disability issues to GB Snowsport's Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Group. A first in British snowsport, the group is working to develop a new strategy for Diversity & Inclusion across GB & NI working with the Home Nations snowsport NGBs and partner organisations to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
media
The One Show
BBC Breakfast & BBC News
The One Show
John appeared on the ONE show sofa alongside Eddie the Eagle shortly after becoming European Champion. Guide Dog Brett was the star turn of course!
ITV News
BBC Breakfast & BBC News
The One Show
JDL has appeared on ITV news several times talking about a range of policy issues including disability. John last appeared shortly before Christmas 2020 to talk about electric scooter regulation, his own experiences of near misses & the dangers they pose to blind and partially people
BBC Breakfast & BBC News
BBC Breakfast & BBC News
BBC THE LGBT Sport Podcast
John has appeared on BBC Breakfast & BBC national & regional news on numerous occasions. From providing analysis on para-skiing, talking about his own achievements or providing a perspective on LGBT and disability issues. JDL has also appeared to talk about the dangers posed to blind and partially sighted pedestrains by silent electric vehicles & shared spaces
BBC THE LGBT Sport Podcast
BBC THE LGBT Sport Podcast
BBC THE LGBT Sport Podcast
Sky Sports
BBC THE LGBT Sport Podcast
Sky Sports
John joined leading GB sprinter Corinne Humphreys & Robbie De Santos Stonewall's Director of External Commmunications on the Sky sports sofa. The interview marked the launch of Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign with John, Corinne & Robbie sharing their thoughts on making sport more LGBT inclusive.
Channel 5
BBC THE LGBT Sport Podcast
Sky Sports
JDl & Guide Dog Brett worked with Minnie Stephenson (now at C4 News) on a substantial segment on a Guide Dog refusals story about taxis and private hire vehicles.