The Team Forces Podcast

Tim Wakefield, COO of Team Forces, reflects on his 34 years in the Army and his journey helping transform Team Forces from an Army-focused sponsorship initiative into a tri-service charity supporting veterans, families, serving personnel and cadets. He explains how sport, challenge and adventure can create life-changing opportunities. Looking back at previous guests, Tim shares inspiring stories from remarkable individuals including triple amputees, world record explorers and injured veterans. The conversation explores resilience, overcoming adversity, finding purpose, supporting military families and the importance of giving people the opportunity to achieve what once seemed impossible. Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this inspiring episode, we hear from Corie Mapp, a former Household Cavalry soldier who lost both legs in an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan. Faced with devastating injuries, Corie refused to let adversity define him, using sport as a pathway to recovery and purpose. Corie shares his remarkable journey from rehabilitation at Headley Court to becoming a World Champion and European Champion para-bobsleigh athlete. He discusses resilience, family, mental health, adaptive sport, and his mission to inspire others through his book Black Ice and his work with young people in the Army Cadets. Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this fascinating episode, former Royal Artillery officer and accomplished horseman Charlie Lane shares his lifelong connection to horses, military racing, and elite sport. From serving with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery to managing the British Olympic eventing team, Charlie’s career has been driven by discipline, resilience, and passion. Charlie discusses the history of military steeplechasing, the dedication required of serving jockeys, and how horses support confidence, wellbeing, and recovery within the Armed Forces community. The conversation also explores leadership, elite performance, and the enduring bond between rider and horse. Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast , we sit down with Garrath Williams, a former British Army soldier who also served 12 years in the Australian Army. Since leaving the military, he has dedicated himself to supporting veterans through employment initiatives like JobOppo and co-founding Veterans Can, a global community connecting ex-service personnel. Garrath shares how he’s helped countless veterans rediscover purpose, alongside launching the Veteran Games to rebuild camaraderie and identity. He discusses transition challenges, the power of community, and why celebrating life after service is key to long-term success. The Veterans Can Website: https://veterans-can.com/ Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode, teacher and cadet leader Dan Bartram shares how his passion for youth development led him to found Exercise Leviathan - delivering life-changing sailing experiences for cadets. With a background in the RAF University Air Squadron and education, Dan combines leadership and adventure to inspire the next generation. He discusses building the programme from scratch, working with disadvantaged young people, and the powerful impact of challenge, teamwork, and time away from technology. A compelling conversation on resilience, opportunity, and unlocking potential. Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-bartram-332528229/ Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this powerful episode, former Royal Marine Aaron Moon shares his journey from a rugby-loving upbringing in Wigan to earning his Green Beret and serving on operations in Afghanistan. His career was cut short by life-changing injuries sustained on deployment. Aaron reflects on resilience, recovery, and rediscovering purpose after service. He discusses Royal Marines training, life on operations, overcoming adversity, and the mindset required to rebuild both physically and mentally after facing extreme challenges. Aaron's Route 66 ride is supporting 4 amazing charities, including Team Forces. See more here: https://teamforces.org/aaron-moon/ 👉🏻 You can be part of this mission. Every mile Aaron rides is a testament to resilience, but he can’t do it alone. By donating, you’ll not only support him through this gruelling challenge but also help raise vital funds for his chosen charities. Together, we can turn pain into purpose and show that no obstacle is too great to overcome. Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast, Heledd Kendrick speaks with Garth Miller, former Royal Marines officer, mountaineer, and leadership coach. Garth recounts his remarkable journey to the summit of Mount Everest — a feat that tested every ounce of endurance, discipline, and resilience he gained through his military career. Together, they explore how his experiences in extreme environments have shaped his approach to teamwork, risk, and mental strength. This powerful conversation offers listeners a rare insight into what it takes to conquer both the world’s highest peak and the challenges within ourselves. Follow Garth here: https://www.instagram.com/therealgarthmiller/ Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast , Heledd Kendrick hears from Louise Fetigan, former soldier, military spouse, and founder of the tri-service charity Little Troopers. After serving in Kosovo and navigating the challenges of military family life, Louise turned personal adversity into purpose, creating a charity that now supports tens of thousands of military children each year. Louise discusses life as a young soldier and mum, the realities of deployment on families, and how Little Troopers was born. She shares insights on resilience, community, and why supporting military children is vital to the strength of the Armed Forces. Little Troopers' Website: https://www.littletroopers.net/ Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast , we meet Hari Budha Magar MBE, a former Gurkha and British Army soldier who turned unimaginable adversity into a story of courage and triumph. After losing both legs above the knee while serving in Afghanistan, Hari refused to let his injuries define him-becoming the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest. Hari shares his incredible journey from the battlefield to the world’s highest peak, discussing resilience, mindset, and the power of community. His story is a moving reminder that with determination and belief, no challenge is insurmountable. Donate to Hari's appeal here: https://givewheel.com/fundraising/5346/hari-budha-magar-7-summits-charity-appeal/ Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this inspiring episode of the Team Forces Podcast , we hear from Dan Smith, a British Army veteran who served 13 years in the Royal Artillery and as a Physical Training Instructor. After tours in Afghanistan, Dan left the military to follow his true passion—the outdoors. Today, he runs his own adventure company in Northumberland, helping others step out of their comfort zones. Dan shares stories from his extraordinary expeditions, including his record-setting 998-mile “Paddle Britain” challenge and a solo canoe adventure through Canada’s remote Hess River. He reflects on resilience, facing fear, and why sometimes you simply have to “grasp the nettles.” Links: Dan's Email: dan@northernoutdoor.co.uk Dan's Website: https://www.dantheadventureman.co.uk/ Northern Outdoor's Website: https://northernoutdoor.co.uk/ Northern Outdoor's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northoutdoor/?locale=en_GB Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast , we meet Jonny Huntington - former Army officer, cross-country skier, and record-setting South Pole explorer. After suffering a life-altering brain injury just eight weeks after commissioning, Jonny was left with significant physical disabilities and faced immense psychological challenges. Refusing to accept defeat, Jonny forged a new path through adaptive sport and expeditionary endurance, becoming the first disabled person to complete a solo, unsupported expedition to the South Pole. He discusses resilience, mental health, and the incredible mindset needed to triumph over adversity - on and off the ice! Jonny's Website: https://www.jonnyhuntington.com/ Connect with Jonny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnyhuntington/?originalSubdomain=uk Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast, Heledd speaks with Paul Fullick, a remarkable individual whose journey through adversity has been nothing short of inspirational. He faced immense obstacles and emerged stronger, proving the power of resilience and determination. Join us as we discuss Paul's achievements and the valuable lessons learned along the way. He shares insights on mental toughness, teamwork, and the unbreakable spirit that drives him forward—offering motivation for UK forces personnel and beyond. Paul's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul.fullick.racing/ Paul's Team Brit Page: https://teambrit.co.uk/drivers/paul-fullick/ Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast, Heledd chats with Zara Lachlan, the first female to row solo from Europe to mainland South America, and the youngest person ever to complete this epic journey. A former cyclist and rower with no prior experience at sea, Zara took on this extraordinary challenge with just a few months of training. Battling relentless headwinds, isolation, and being bitten by a Barracuda, she pushed through moments of doubt, proving that resilience and mindset are everything. Zara shares the highs and lows of her record-breaking journey, from near-misses with cargo ships to surreal hallucinations and unexpected encounters with sharks. She reflects on the mental toughness needed to keep going, the power of gratitude, and how this adventure has shaped her as she prepares to join the British Army. Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast, Heledd talks with Jon White, a former Royal Marine who survived life-changing injuries in Afghanistan and turned adversity into triumph. Jon shares his experiences of recovery, his path to becoming a world-class athlete, and his mission to inspire others through executive coaching and leadership training. He opens up about mental resilience, overcoming imposter syndrome, and his ambitious goal of competing at the 2028 Paralympics. Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast, Heledd talks to Elizabeth Winfield, a former Army logistics officer, mother of three, and the driving force behind the Armed Forces Para Snow Sports Team (AFPST). Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey from discovering Nordic skiing in the Officers Training Corps to founding a British Para Nordic ski team after a 20-year gap. Her efforts have provided transformative recovery journeys for injured, wounded, and sick veterans through competitive snow sports. Listen as Elizabeth discusses the power of community, the challenges of pioneering a programme from scratch, and the life-changing impact of AFPST’s initiatives on participants and their families. From fundraising adventures like Everest Base Camp to leading 90 athletes and staff to Colorado, Elizabeth’s unwavering commitment to giving back is nothing short of extraordinary. Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast, Heledd meets with Sally Orange, a physiotherapist, Army veteran, Guinness World Record holder, and mental health advocate. Sally's story is one of resilience, having overcome personal and professional challenges, including a nine-year journey to achieve her dream of becoming a physiotherapist and a battle with severe mental health struggles. Sally shares how she transformed adversity into triumph through her work in the Army Medical Corps, her ground breaking physical feats—including marathons dressed as fruit to raise mental health awareness. Tune in to hear how Sally uses humour, empathy, and determination to inspire and support others, proving that small steps can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Feeling anxious, stressed, or need support? Shout is free, confidential and available 24/7 : https://giveusashout.org/get-help/ Donate now to help keep us listening, https://www.samaritans.org/break-the-silence/ Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this episode, Heledd sits down with Lexi Chambers, an extraordinary individual who turned personal adversity into an inspiring legacy. A former Army recruit turned NHS nurse, Lexi faced incredible challenges, including life-altering injuries and the loss of her leg. Despite enduring immense physical pain and a rare neurological condition, she has triumphed as a five-time world record holder in wheelchair endurance events. Lexi shares her remarkable story of resilience, her passion for women's rugby, and her ongoing mission to inspire others, particularly young women and veterans. From her military beginnings to her ambitious future goals, including wheeling the West Coast of America, Lexie reminds us all of the power of grit, adaptability, and community support. Follow Lexi: https://www.instagram.com/lexi.alyx.chambers/?hl=en-gb Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

In this inspiring episode of the Team Forces Podcast, host Heledd Kendrick speaks with Neil Heritage, a former soldier who served 11 years in the British Army and overcame life-changing injuries sustained in Iraq in 2004. Despite losing both legs above the knee, Neil has accomplished remarkable feats, including rowing across the Atlantic in 51 days and becoming the first double amputee to summit the Matterhorn. During the episode, Neil discusses his journey from injury to recovery, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and his dedication to helping other veterans through his charity, Climb to Recovery. Neil’s story is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the power of determination. Climb2Recovery website: https://www.c2r.org/ Neil's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neil.heritage.3 Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

On this episode, you'll meet Kelda Wood, who in her mid 20s suffered a leg injury while tending to her horse. After a long recovery journey, she bounced back in a big way! During this chat with Heledd you'll hear about the huge impact her injury made, to her physical health and her mental health. You'll hear how she came to terms with "the new normal", and how she dealt with the perceived expectations of others. There's so much covered here, including her charity Climbing Out, the power of community and how she had a whale as a friend for two days during her Atlantic Challenge....where she rowed across the ocean whilst shining a light on others.....Truly awesome 🚣‍♀️🤩 Climbing out : https://climbingout.org.uk/ Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

Welcome to The Team Forces Podcast. Join Heledd Kendrick as she talks to members of the armed forces who are doing extraordinary things, using challenge and adventure to help push their boundaries, both physically and mentally. On this episode you’ll meet Heather Sharp, Founder and CEO of Forces Wives Challenge, a social enterprise that unites women who have partners in the Armed Forces through adventure and challenge. Heather talks about how her experience in the military inspired her to set up FWC and provide exciting adventures for a community that is often left holding the fort at home. Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/