MEET OUR TEAM LEADERS

Challenge The Wild  is run by Dan Searson.  Dan has spent the past thirty years exploring the outdoors.  During his twenty five year military career, as an Army Officer, he was deployed to the Balkans, East Africa and the Middle East; and led expeditions to the Pyrenees, Machu Pichu, the Sierra Nevada, Dolomites 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 is currently undertaking an Open University Course in Project Management, 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 working closely with our clients; ensuring they achieve their aims through a rigorous approach to planning and delivery.

Dan  is supported by a team of highly experienced Event Managers and  instructors that are some of the best in the business.  Their role is to  guide, support and encourage others; and to improve the physical and  mental well-being of those who come on our programmes.

Paul  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.

He  is trained in Mental Health First Aid to level 3, as well as  Counselling Skills and Concepts level 2 and numerous courses on mental  well-being, including psychology and mindfulness.

In  his spare time Paul volunteers as support group facilitator for a  mental health charity. His passion for the outdoors and how it can  benefit people’s mental well-being was stemmed after he was introduced  to Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, whilst in Japan in the mid 80’s.

Ben is an Athlete and Adventurer. In 2019 Whilst serving in the British  Army, he was seriously injured in a traumatic incident where he was shot  numerous times and received blast/fragmentation injuries to both arms  and his upper torso, without a doubt the body  armour he was wearing saved his life. Shortly after the incident Ben was diagnosed  with PTSD.

With a passion for exploring and endurance events, Ben is constantly  pursuing elite sports and extreme outdoor expeditions whilst sharing his story to encourage  others that although you may have a disability its the ability to go  beyond and defy the odds that makes a difference.

Ben hopes to inspire others  to succeed and achieve their goals and ambitions