MEET THE TEAM

Paddy is CTW's Lead Technical Instructor.  Paddy holds the Mountaineering Instructor’s Certificate, the highest UK certificate available.  He has completed 14 first ascents of peaks in the northern Himalayas and has taken clients out trekking and climbing all over the world.

Joe is predominately a rock climbing instructor, but also leads groups in the technical ghylls and canyons of the UK.  He has a passion for the outdoors and has led groups all over the UK and Europe. Joe has been instructing on Challenge The Wild events from the very beginning .

Paul is CTW's Support Team Leader.  He served in the Merchant Navy for 39 years, spending 22 years as Chief  Petty Officer. During his extensive travels all over the world, Paul has  studied many techniques on helping people overcome their fears and  anxieties to achieve their goals.

Ben is one of Challenge The Wild's Mountain Leaders.  He served as an Army Officer in the Royal Artillery, a role which has seen him travel extensively.  He is first aid qualified and has significant knowledge in event management.  Ben thrives on helping others to achieve their goals.

Ben is one of our Walk Leaders and Event Managers. Having been injured whilst serving in the British Army, he is passionate about sharing his story to encourage others that although you may have a disability, it's the ability to go beyond and defy the odds that makes a difference.

Sam is a serving British Army Officer, holds a degree in Outdoor & Physical Education and is completing a Masters in Leadership.  He has a deep interest in enhancing the self-efficacy of those he works with and hopes to give back to all the groups we support.

Jamie is our expert on the water.  As one of the top Paddlesports coaches in the UK, he has travelled extensively and led groups in the water around the world.  Jamie served in the British Army for 23 years, finishing his career as an RSM. He is at his best when helping others achieve their goals.

Mark is one of our Walk Leaders who works predominately on our Adventure Retreats in the Lakes.  He has trekked all over the UK and taken part in several high-profile expeditions.  He has a background in project management but is never happier than when leading others outdoors.

Sophie is a Mountain Leader, Ski Instructor and Event Manager.  She is a General Practitioner with a keen interest in remote medicine, an Army Officer in the Reserves; and a keen outdoor enthusiast, who is never happier when hiking, climbing or skiing in the company of others.

Challenge The Wild's marketing and website is handled by Connor. He first met Dan on the East Cheshire Hospice Grand Canyon Trek in 2018. He's since been on many expeditions including to the Himalayas and Atlas Mountains. He also serves in the Army Reserves with the Mercian regiment.

 John consults for Challenge The Wild and works closely with the support team, advising on physical health.  He is a GP in the Lake District and has interests in sports and expedition medicine.  He is a fell runner, keen traveller and serves as a Medical Officer in the Army Reserve. 

 Emma Kenny is a psychologist, TV presenter, writer and expert media commentator, and is now recognised as one of the UK’s leading TV psychological experts. She works closely with the support team by providing advice and guidance on Mental Well-being.