Experiences
Quotes from some of the participants on our Himalaya adventure 2010.
Franklyn Pemberton-Simmonds, ex-soldier
Saw extensive action in Northern Ireland in the 1970s whilst with the Queen’s Regiment.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. The place is indescribable and the group are a fantastic bunch of people, very friendly, very caring, and I’m taking a lot out of this trip. Being social with people isn’t something I’ve done for a long time, and this trip has been very beneficial for me. When I’m at home I don’t communicate with people at all, I stay indoors. But out here you’ve got freedom, the people are amazing, and this adventure has completely changed how I see life.”
Sophie Morgan, model and TV presenter
Paraplegic who broke her back in a car accident six years ago.
“The Himalayas is the most incredible setting for any group of people to come in to and open up to each other. It blows your mind what we saw every day, it’s like you’re on a different planet. There’s been so many parts to this expedition; the place you’re in, the culture you discover, the family of people that you’re with – there’s so much to take in you completely adjust your perspective.”
Mike Kay, serving soldier
Wounded in Afghanistan by an IED in 2008 whilst deployed with the Light Dragoons.
“This has been one of the best things I’ve ever done, we’ve come to this place and all bonded together, people from all backgrounds, all ages. If someone is at the beginning of PTSD or adjustment disorders it shows how you can get through it all. This trip is really different, we’re not just canoeing and singing songs around a campfire. It’s a real challenge and a true experience meeting people out here.”
Clair Pollard, professional psychologist
Broke her back in South Africa in 1999 and wheelchair-bound.
“Global Adventure Plus was a huge challenge for everyone. For those of us in wheelchairs the obstacles were obvious, for those with mental issues they had to work together with people and as a team – not something they were perhaps used to doing. And everyone came together. This type of trip has a huge future and it surpassed what we expected. It’s motivated people, given them energy, allowed them to overcome their difficulties and allowed them to see things from a different angle.”
Billy Macleod, ex-soldier
Served in Northern Ireland with the Royal Engineers.
“Global Adventure Plus is close to the edge, tough going, long days, hard driving and nearly all off-road. It’s enjoyable, but it’s no holiday. It’s about making people feel better about themselves – and it works.”
Charlotte Stockting, Hello! magazine publishing director
Keen supporter of forces’ charities whose father served in the RAF.
“Hello! has been involved with services charities for quite a while. I’ve never driven a Jeep before so this is a first time for me and in such dramatic terrain it’s really challenging, and reminds me of how insignificant we are. There’s time for quiet reflection and I don’t think I’ve had time to do that in 22 years.”
Ian Morton, ex-Scots Guard
Falklands veteran who fought and was wounded alongside Robert Lawrence on Tumbledown in 1982.
“Thank you Global Adventure Plus! My life is worth living again and it’s all down to you. I’ve suffered from PTSD for seven years and sometimes the anger inside has been terrible. I’d stand there and shout at my wife for no reason, my life was on a downward spiral. PTSD affects the ones you love more than yourself. But since the Himalayas I am now going back up the spiral, the trip has done that for me. I realise that there’s more out there now, and that people do care. I will forever be in GAP’s debt.”
Daz Hennessy, ex-Royal Marine
Was involved in heavy fighting around Basra, Iraq in 2003 during the invasion.
“Going out with GAP gives you time to think, to realise things about yourself. It’s given me a completely different outlook. I can’t say it’s taken away the PTSD totally but it’s opened my eyes to different directions. It’s been enlightening. When I got home I realised there was a real element of change in myself. I feel a lot calmer within myself, more relaxed and not pulling myself in a dozen directions at once. This trip has done me the world of good.”
Lee Hollingworth (Dodge), Former British Armed Forces, including Royal Logistics & Royal Marines
Was mainly involved in heavy fighting in Afghanistan.
“One of the hardest things for me personally about the armed forces was leaving. I didn’t realise how hard it would be until it was time to. The Himalaya experience with GAP was one of the most life changing experiences I’ve ever endured. I was in quite a mess for a couple of years in civvi street and didn’t really talk to anyone about my PTSD. The experience gave me back enough confidence to realise I’m still worth something and thanks to some of the people I met I have been undergoing professional help and I’m benefitting greatly from it. Thank you GAP for asking me to be part of the experience, I’ll never forget it.”
Kevin Godlington, a decorated soldier, former 5 Airborne Bridge and United Kingdom Special Forces.
Patron and co founder Tickets For Troops, ambassador to Combat Stress, founder and patron Heropreneurs.
“Adventurous travel stimulates the senses, enlightens the very essence of feeling alive and provokes endless moments of deep-heeling thought. Service personnel are locked in a dichotomy, where however advanced, developed and socially improved the world becomes; war remains bloody, violent and abhorrent. It is the precipice of all that is wrong with our existence as humans. But there are a few who will stand and deliver in this abyss of misery and accept it as part of a free world and developed democracy, someone’s has to do it and Service personnel do – with honour and integrity.
The blending in back to civilian life after being exposed to this lifestyle is difficult; its so difficult many don’t make the transition. GAP provides a buffer; it takes those that don’t make this transition of their own accord and provides a unique and amazing interface. I saw with my own eyes the effect the Himalayas and the team at GAP had on those damaged by war. GAP works, its so obvious and so simple yet so effective and well executed. Bravo! To the team for designing an intervention into broken lives, something the government has successfully continued to fail to deliver. I’m proud to be part of GAP.”
