HEROES AMONG US: PODCAST

In this compelling episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with Andrea Quinton, a former police officer whose extraordinary 34-year career has left an indelible mark on the world of policing. Born and raised in Sale, Cheshire, Andrea discovered her passion for public service as a volunteer Special Constable during the Strangeways riots. That pivotal moment set her on a path to an inspiring and trailblazing career.

Andrea’s journey took her through a variety of roles, including response policing, neighborhood work, detective duties, and leadership in firearms and critical incident command. She also led the Northwest Armed Policing Collaboration, breaking barriers and promoting diversity within specialist units.

Beyond her operational successes, Andrea is a passionate advocate for officer well-being and mental health. Her viral open letter in 2015 led to her role as a trustee of Thin Blue Line UK, a charity dedicated to supporting police officers. Even in retirement, Andrea remains a mentor and coach, guiding the next generation through her work with the Bluelight Academy.

In this episode, we explore:

Andrea’s groundbreaking career and the challenges she faced.

Her dedication to caring for police officers and advocating for mental health.

The power of mentorship and her work shaping future leaders in policing.

Social media’s impact on policing and how her viral letter sparked change.

Andrea’s story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and leadership. Join us as we delve into her incredible career, her advocacy for change, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

In this episode of “Heroes Among Us”, we are privileged to share the extraordinary story of Jonathan Bell, a man whose courage, resilience, and determination have defined his remarkable journey.

Born into a military family, Jonathan’s life was shaped by discipline and service from an early age. Attending a military boarding school at just 11 years old and later joining the 1st Battalion the Green Howards, he built a promising career that took him across Germany, Northern Ireland, and beyond.

In 1993, Jonathan's life took a dramatic turn when a devastating accident left him paralyzed and severely injured. Yet, he refused to let this tragedy define him. Through sheer determination, Jonathan rebuilt his life, pursuing education and launching a 16-year career at the BBC including Newsnight and Panorama. As a defence journalist and producer, he became a powerful advocate, amplifying the voices of soldiers and sharing their untold stories.

Even after facing a life-changing amputation, Jonathan's courage never wavered. He devoted himself to family, academic pursuits, and raising funds for BLESMA, while also contributing to healthcare boards focused on improving support for veterans and NHS patients.

Join us as Jonathan shares his inspiring story of perseverance, his passion for advocacy, and his vision for creating a brighter future for the veterans’ community. This episode is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, you won’t want to miss it!

This week, in our final Episode of Series 1 we bring you the incredible story of Gary Pearson, a man whose life exemplifies courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to public service.

Born in post-war Manchester, Gary’s journey took him from humble beginnings to an extraordinary career in Greater Manchester Police. Serving with the elite Tactical Aid Group (TAG), Firearms training of international officers, and even protecting dignitaries, Gary’s career was filled with remarkable moments of bravery.

In 1983, Gary faced a life-altering challenge when he was shot in the head during a training exercise, resulting in the loss of his left eye. Yet, his determination saw him continue his service and redefine resilience in the face of adversity.

✨ In this episode, we explore:

➡️ Gary’s inspiring story.

➡️ His incredible journey of recovery and perseverance.

➡️ Reflections on his legacy of service and family life.

We also discuss the upcoming book “Eye Shot” by Author Tom Curry, which investigates the pivotal event that forever changed Gary’s life and his support for the National Campaign for Injured Police officers to receive medal Recognition.

In this enlightening episode, we’re joined by the extraordinary Samuel Reddy, whose journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of embracing one’s identity.

Born in Mauritius and deeply rooted in his South Asian heritage, Samuel’s life story spans continents, cultures, and careers. From his beginnings on a vibrant and diverse island shaped by a legacy of indentured laborers, to arriving in the UK and starting as a dishwasher at Buckingham Palace, Samuel’s path has been anything but ordinary.

A life-changing encounter with the late Queen inspired him to join the British Army, where he served with distinction as a Royal Fusilier during the turbulent post-9/11 era. His service not only solidified his connection to Britain but also deepened his understanding of belonging—a theme that has guided his work ever since.

Samuel’s advocacy work through “Op Belonging” and his organization, Leavers to Leaders, shines a light on the challenges and contributions of Commonwealth and Gurkha soldiers. He’s a vocal advocate for inclusivity, a champion of heritage, and a source of inspiration for those striving to make a difference.

Tune in to hear Samuel’s compelling insights on identity, service, and the transformative power of belonging in modern Britain. This episode celebrates courage, community, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we welcome Mick Hawkes QCB MSc, a decorated security expert and former SAS operative, who shares his extraordinary journey from military service to becoming a leading voice in the security industry.

Mick opens up about his remarkable 24-year military career, including 14 years with the elite 22 SAS. He recounts his covert operations, a harrowing capture in Bosnia, and his time advising MI5, giving listeners a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of military and intelligence work.

Transitioning to civilian life, Mick discusses how his passion for safety and security led him to co-found Hawkesandco with his daughter, Keely. Together, they’ve turned their expertise into practical solutions for businesses and rural communities, with a particular focus on helping UK farmers address security challenges. Mick highlights his innovative approach, from rural crime prevention to physical penetration testing, applying lessons learned in the most dangerous environments to safeguard livelihoods back home.

Mick gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, Life on the Edge, which promises an unfiltered look at his extraordinary life and career.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, resilience, and making a difference in high-risk industries and rural communities alike. Tune in for a fascinating journey filled with courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

In this compelling episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with Jonny Huntington, a former GB para-athlete and British Army officer, as he prepares for one of the most challenging journeys of his life: a solo, unsupported expedition to the South Pole. Just eight weeks after commissioning as an Army officer, Jonny’s career and life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a massive stroke, leaving him with complete paralysis on his left side. At only 28, he faced the daunting task of rebuilding not only his physical abilities but also his mental resilience.

Jonny opens up about the physical and emotional hurdles he’s faced in his recovery, including the impact of his stroke on his mental health, and how he’s managed to find strength in adversity. Now, after a decade of rehabilitation, training, and determination, Jonny is embarking on a grueling 40-day, 911 km trek across the Antarctic, pushing through extreme cold and pulling his own gear. This episode delves deep into the mindset, preparation, and unbreakable spirit that fuel Jonny’s journey, making him an inspiration to all.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on courage, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit. Jonny's story reminds us that with resilience and purpose, we can overcome even the toughest of challenges.

In this heartfelt episode of Heroes Among Us, we welcome Rev. Becky Dyball, whose story is as inspiring as it is powerful. Becky’s journey began in Sheffield, where she was raised by a family who taught her the true meaning of compassion and generosity. Growing up in a home filled with kindness and open doors, Becky learned early on the power of giving back.

Becky shares how her life’s path has been shaped by resilience, from facing bullying in school to overcoming illness. These challenges only strengthened her calling to serve others, which led her into community development work, roles with housing associations, and eventually, a life of ministry. Her faith deepened during a transformative mission trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where she connected deeply with people and experienced firsthand the strength that faith can bring to any situation.

Now a priest, a trustee for Ely Diocese, and Vice-Chair of Ridley Hall Theological College, Becky continues to make an impact far beyond her parish. She co-founded Coffee Ark, a mobile coffee shop that provides safe spaces for mental health conversations, uniting her passion for community, faith, and support for mental well-being.

Tune in to hear Becky’s incredible journey of faith, her views on building community, and her dedication to creating spaces where people can feel heard and supported. Becky’s story is one of unwavering faith, resilience, and selfless service to others, and her insights are sure to resonate with anyone on their own journey of growth and purpose.

In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we’re honored to welcome Rob Hinton, founder of the Hold Fast Challenge and former Royal Navy Mine Clearance Diver and Bomb Disposal expert. Rob’s journey is one of grit, courage, and an unwavering commitment to service. He opens up about his experiences in the high-stakes world of underwater bomb disposal, where each mission demanded a steady mind, extreme precision, and total teamwork.

With roots in competitive swimming and rugby, Rob has always embraced challenges, pushing his limits both in and out of the military. His time as a commercial diver in the oil and gas industry took him around the world, but his drive to inspire others led him to create the Hold Fast Challenge. This unique experience blends military-grade tasks and mindset coaching, with a mission to foster pride, resilience, and discipline, especially in today’s youth. Hosted at scenic locations like Rutland Water and Willowgate Activity Centre, Hold Fast has raised over £60,000 for charities like Help for Heroes and provided nearly 50 challenge days to people from all walks of life.

Join us as Rob shares what it takes to face life’s toughest situations, the inspiration behind Hold Fast, and the skills and strength needed in the dangerous world of underwater bomb disposal. It’s a journey of discipline, endurance, and growth—this episode is sure to inspire anyone interested in discovering what it means to Hold Fast.

In this powerful episode of Heroes Among Us, host Simon Bywater welcomes the remarkable Alan Chambers MBE, a former Royal Marine, polar explorer, and celebrated leadership coach whose life story is as inspiring as it is extraordinary. With 16 years of dedicated service in the Royal Marines, Alan forged a path of resilience, grit, and determination, culminating in leading the first British unsupported team to the North Pole. Facing relentless winds, frigid temperatures, and countless challenges, Alan's journey to the Pole was one of sheer mental strength and unbreakable resolve—qualities he passionately shares in this conversation.

Alan’s impact extends well beyond his polar expeditions. As a motivational speaker and founder of The Extreme Leaders Group and Extreme Classrooms, he has worked with elite sports teams and countless organisations, imparting vital lessons on leadership, teamwork, and resilience in extreme conditions. His efforts to empower young people to overcome their own obstacles through challenging adventures are a testament to his belief in the human spirit’s potential.

Throughout this episode, Alan reflects on what it means to inspire others, from guiding teams to the North and South Poles to mentoring those facing significant challenges in life. His stories, insights, and deep-seated belief in courage and persistence make this a truly uplifting listen. For anyone seeking motivation, guidance, or a spark to reignite their own passions, Alan’s journey exemplifies heroism, endurance, and a relentless commitment to pushing boundaries.

Tune in and let Alan Chambers' incredible life story and unwavering spirit remind you of what’s possible when we embrace challenges and commit to growth, no matter the odds.

In this powerful episode of Heroes Among Us, we are honored to feature Tracy Lee Tombides, a remarkable woman whose life has been shaped by resilience, strength, and an unwavering mission to make a difference. Tracy shares her journey from growing up in Perth, Australia, to a successful career as a Senior Casino Manager in global hotspots like the Virgin Islands, Macau, and London. But her story goes far deeper than her professional success.

Tracy opens up about her personal life, including the profound joy and heartbreak of being a mother. After the tragic loss of her first son Jordan shortly after birth, Tracy found joy in raising her two sons, Dylan and Taylor. Dylan, a talented footballer, signed a professional contract with West Ham United but tragically passed away in 2014 from testicular cancer at just 20 years old.

In Dylan’s memory, Tracy has dedicated her life to the DT38 Foundation, raising awareness for men’s health and testicular cancer. Through her advocacy work and spiritual connection with her son, Tracy shares how she channels her grief into purpose and continues to inspire others through the foundation.

This episode offers an intimate look at Tracy’s remarkable life, her journey through loss, and her tireless mission to save lives in honour of her son Dylan. Tracy’s story will leave you inspired and deeply moved.