Frank Gardner OBE
BBC Security Correspondent and disability campaigner and advocate
Frank has been the BBC’s Security Correspondent since 2002, covering global security stories from the Middle East to Ukraine and beyond. In 2004, he survived an Al-Qaida attack in Saudi Arabia, returning to work after extensive surgery. He holds a degree in Arabic & Islamic Studies from Exeter University, eight honorary doctorates, and was awarded an OBE for services to journalism in 2005.His career began in investment banking, and he also served as a Territorial Army officer. Gardner is the author of five bestselling books, including his memoir Blood & Sand and the spy thriller Invasion (2025). A passionate nature photographer, he is President of the British Trust for Ornithology.
I am incredibly pleased and flattered that City Lit has chosen to recognise my work in this way. It is a great honour, my family are thrilled and I much look forward to joining the ranks of those who have earned this accolade.