"I first started training at the age of 16 in anticipation of joining the Army when I turned 17. I found training was not easy in the early days because I had no idea of what training I should be doing and, more crucially, I had no idea just how to do it!"

"On joining the Army in 2003 I was finally able to learn how to train properly. After 'passing out' at the end of 2003 I joined my regiment in Oxfordshire. 2004 saw me stationed in Basra as a member of a close protection unit. Working in a close protection unit is demanding at the best of times and the ever-present threats of a war zone meant that life was both highly demanding, both physically and mentally. However, I did feel that my focused physical training helped me to cope with these demands at both physical and emotional levels."

"When I arrived back in the UK I decided to take up freestyle kickboxing. After a short period my barracks' instructor, Jack Johns, announced that I was ready to fight in the novice category of the European Championships! Jack's confidence in my ability was rewarded by my first trophy - Third in Europe!

My success at kickboxing drew the attention of the Army PTIs (Physical Training Instructors) and I was inducted to the PTI course, learning everything from novice inductions, to circuits, to personal training."