Inspirational toastmaster Chris Baker, who turned his life around after losing his arm and a stint in prison, has reached the Toastmasters UK and Ireland district finals.
The Stevenage resident won the district 71 competition in Milton Keynes last week, and is part of West Herts Speakers Club in St Albans.
The 38-year-old hasn't always been an accomplished public speaker. As a child he battled various adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that had a profound impact on him.
This led Chris down a path of offending behaviour, prior to a fateful police pursuit. During the chase, he was involved in a collision in which he lost his arm and ultimately ended up in prison.
It was during that time in jail that Chris made the decision to turn his life around.
Having joined the West Herts Speakers Club, he has evolved into an accomplished speaker and mentor and made it his mission to raise awareness and prevent others from falling down the same path he experienced.
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Today, Chris speaks at schools and prisons as well as corporate events, providing workshops, conferences and coaching.
Chris makes the assertion that "losing an arm was the best thing that happened to me".
The district contest finals are being held in Porlaoise, Ireland from May 10 until May 12.
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