At only 30 years of age, Perry has become one of the most inspirational public speakers in Australia. His story is remarkable in that he is a quadriplegic relying on a ventilator to allow him to breathe.
A rugby tackle in 1994, at the age of 19, left Perry Cross a profoundly disabled quadriplegic, unable to move and on a life support machine... with a team of around-the-clock medical carers at his side. Faced with a life of oblivion - he made an immensely courageous choice to 'get moving'.
The challenge lay before him - the fight to live, then to talk and eventually to live outside the hospital. He not only achieved this - but has excelled in life ever since. His impact on people prompted him to pursue a career in motivational speaking and he's been heralded by media worldwide as a tremendous role model for the human spirit in overcoming the odds.
Numerous Radio, Newspaper and Television interviews have made Perry a recognisable identity in the community at large.
Over the past years, Perry has addressed tens of thousands of people in audiences ranging from school groups to business corporations, including organisations such as these:
• The Australian Defence Forces
• The National Speakers Association
• The Suncorp Annual Awards Conference
• The Department of Education Employment and Training
Prior to his accident, Perry was a talented sportsman, representing The Southport School in the first XV for Rugby Union, and the first Xiii for Rowing. After graduation, he continued his active lifestyle gaining selection in regional teams and crews in these respective sports, always described by his peers and mentors as dedicated and passionate for success
In 1995 he was the first ventilated quadriplegic to travel across the pacific on a commercial flight. Whilst in the US he worked as an advisor to the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of Young Australians and met the late Christopher Reeve to discuss research and raise awareness and funds toward a cure for paralysis.
In 1996 Perry became Australia's first motivational speaker on life support and was runner-up in the prestigious International Communicator of the Year Awards.
In 1997 he was named Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year and in 1999 was finalist in the Young Australian of the Year Awards.
In 2000 Perry Cross was the first quadriplegic to have received a degree at University In June 2002, Perry met with the Governor-General and the Prime Minister as an envoy for Reeve, lobbying them for the legalisation of stem cell research.
Ironically, anybody who has been associated with Perry testifies that he is far from fragile... the energy and passion with which he conducts his life far surpasses descriptions such as "brave, courageous" and so forth.
To see Perry in action CLICK HERE
