After leaving the UK in 2010, I embarked on a life-changing backpacking trip to Indonesia. At just 17 or 18 years old, I spent 12 days deep in the forest with three local guides—Wanda, Bendy, and Ping. Each night, we camped at a new spot, and I was completely immersed in the experience despite not knowing a word of the local language. This journey was my first taste of true adventure, and it ignited a passion for exploration that I’ve pursued ever since.
Upon returning to the UK, I knew I wanted to build a career in the travel industry—where my passion truly lies. I started planning new journeys almost immediately, still living with my family but with my sights set on exploring Latin America. In 2011, I ventured to Costa Rica, and while I enjoyed the culture immensely, it was my next trip that truly pushed the boundaries of what I thought possible.
In 2018, I took on one of my most intense challenges yet: an expedition to Guyana. There, I canoed 288 km over 11.5 days with two local guides, navigating remote rivers and dense jungle. This expedition deepened my love for remote travel and solidified my goal of becoming an expedition leader. It gave me the remote travel knowledge and skills I needed, but I still lacked the qualifications to teach and lead others.
I completed my Mountain Leader (ML) training, which brought me closer to making my dream career a reality. Over the years, I continued to hone my skills, but my greatest challenge came in 2022. After two failed attempts, I finally succeeded in crossing the Darien Gap on the Pacific side, an experience that tested me to my limits. I had to barter with cartels for permission to pass, hide from police and immigration forces, and even survive being abandoned by my guide after discovering human skeletons. During one night, I endured torrential rain and a storm so fierce that deadfall trees were crashing down just meters from my hammock. This was by far the most extreme and dangerous expedition I had undertaken, but it solidified my dedication to this path.
In addition to my expeditions, I’ve also completed various endurance events to push my limits, including mountain marathons, the Fan Dance, and a cycle to Spain undertaken out of sheer boredom during the COVID-19 lockdowns. I’m always seeking new challenges, like attempting a half marathon with a 70 kg weighted rucksack, even though I fell short of the world record.
Looking forward, I have some of the most ambitious expeditions of my life planned. Over the next 12 to 24 months, I’ll be preparing for a world-first: the Siberia 2025 expedition, which I’ve named "Alone in the Arctic." This multiple-month journey will see me facing the depths of the Siberian winter, where temperatures can plummet to a bone-chilling -60 degrees Celsius. This expedition is not just about testing physical endurance; it’s about embracing extremity and danger in a way that embodies a once-in-a-generation mindset.