Those were the key messages Jeremy Scott conveyed to the crowd at the Rotary Club of Muswellbrook function, The Long Road From A Broken Heart, at the Muswellbrook Race Club on Thursday night.

He wasn’t only born with a huge hole in his heart; he boasted an insatiable craving for adventure.

But, following life-saving open heart surgery, the inspirational Scott reached a stage in his life where he felt as if he wasn’t being challenged.

To rectify the situation, he loaded some panniers onto his bicycle and spent two-and-a-half years pedalling almost 52,000km around the planet.

On his return, Scott put pen to paper and wrote his first book, The Long Road From A Broken Heart – and now dedicates his life to encourage others.

That phenomenal journey, and incredible story, is also the backdrop to his latest venture: motivational speaker.

“I’m currently touring around the country,” Scott said.

“It’s an opportunity for me to raise funds and awareness for the Australian Heart Foundation. 

“I’ve got about 80 speaking functions between now and the end of the year, so it’s a fairly busy period.

“This is my first time to Muswellbrook.

“But, that’s one of the highlights, visiting new towns.

“I love it.

“Everyone’s been great [at the Rotary Club of Muswellbrook].

“And, I thank them for their hospitality.”  

Scott, an Ambassador for Waterline Challenge, received the Australian Heart Foundation ‘Heart Hero’ Award after raising more than $50,000 for the New Zealand, Australian and British organisations.