MEET THE TEAM
Dan Searson
Director of Operations
Challenge The Wild is run by Dan Searson. During his thirty year military career, as an Army Officer, he was deployed to the Balkans, East Africa and the Middle East; and as a Mountain Leader led expeditions to the Pyrenees, Alps, the Sierra Nevada, Dolomites, the Grand Canyon, Peru and Mount Kenya. He was awarded several British Army Commendations during his service.
Dan has extensive experience in event management and has personally run challenges for many high-profile organisations. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian Response; and has been awarded certificates in Health and Safety for Managers and Medical Planning. Dan thrives on ensuring our clients achieve their goals through a rigorous approach to planning and delivery.
Joe Harrop
Head of Logistics
Joe Harrop is Challenge The Wild’s Head Of Logistics. He has worked in the outdoor industry for over thirty years, is an experienced rock climbing instructor, and has led groups in the technical canyons of the UK. Joe has travelled extensively, has a keen interest in the environment, and truly understands the benefits the outdoors can bring. Joe is responsible for all operational management of Challenge The Wild events in the North including event logistics, client management and quality control. He also attends many events, putting into practice his passion to lead others.
Paul Johnson
Head of Well-being
Paul Johnson is Challenge The Wild’s Head of Well-being. 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.
Paul has years of experience in mental well-being and volunteers weekly at a mental health charity. He has undertaken numerous courses, studied counselling and is mental health first aid qualified to level 3; and the architect of our well-being workshops.
Ben McComb
Operations Manager – North
Ben McComb is Challenge The Wild’s Operations Manager in the North. Ben is also one of our Mountain Leaders and Paddle Sport Instructors and 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. He is responsible for all operational management of Challenge The Wild’s events in the North, and manages his own team of instructors who deliver our events to the highest standard.
Ben Gallagher
Operations Manager – South
Ben Gallagher is Challenge The Wild’s Operations Manager in the South. 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. Ben has completed a range of arduous challenges across the world and is a keen skier, hiker, climber and paraglider. He is responsible for all operational management of Challenge The Wild’s events in the South, and manages his own team of instructors who deliver our events to the highest standard.
INSTRUCTOR TEAM
Paddy Cave
Lead Instructor & Technical Advisor
Paddy Cave is Challenge The Wild’s Lead Instructor and Technical Advisor. He holds the Mountaineering Instructor’s Certificate, the highest UK certificate available. Paddy has completed 14 first ascents of peaks in the northern Himalayas and has taken clients out trekking and climbing all over the world. His experience and knowledge are second to none, and he is widely respected in the outdoor community.
Paddy leads on all Challenge The Wild events, and is supported by a team of highly experienced instructors that are some of the best in the business.
Mark Smaje
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.
Sam Camp
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 Founds
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.
Connor Holah
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 Kilner
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.
Danielle McDermott
Danielle is the newest recruit to CTW. After a life changing experience with Breast Cancer, Danielle has reinvigorated herself and is now a qualified Mental Health Coach and Personal Trainer. She is an avid hiker whose background saw her work for 19 years in the NHS.
AMBASSADORS
Julia Bradbury
Julia Bradbury is an English television presenter, employed by the BBC and ITV, specialising in documentaries and consumer affairs. Her passion is the outdoors. She provides advice and support on our charity focused events.
Luke Hepworth
Luke Hepworth is an Adventure Philanthropist. For every challenge Luke completes, he raises money and awareness for his chosen charity. He supports Challenge The Wild by providing advice and guidance on our charity focused events and corporate social responsibility.
Emma Kenny
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.