More About Us
We are Isla and Jonathan, ex British Army Officers living in the United Kingdom. Jonathan is married to Isla’s sister Gemma, who he met when they were both serving in the same Regiment. We are both married to extremely busy and successful spouses and for some time we have been looking for an event that will challenge us.
Our Goal is to ‘walk out’ our respective demons while raising at least £1000 each for our respective charities. In addition, the Blog will hopefully provide useful information on how to plan and walk or cycle the Western Front Way.
More about Jonathan.
Jonathan is due to be medically retired from the Army in 4 months, having served 33 years in the Royal Artillery. Having been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, the last 18 months has been a journey of introspection. Keen now to share his experiences Jonathan is embarking on a new chapter in his life, starting by walking the 650 miles of the Western Front Way. He hopes to bring an awareness of mental health issues within the Military and raise money for Building Heroes, a charity that has helped him and other veterans adjust. A keen traveller, normally by motorbike, he now lives in a small village on the edge of the North York Moors: an ideal training ground for the walk across France.
and Isla.
Following her time spent in the Royal Artillery where she fortuitously introduced JP to his future wife, Isla has spent the last 25 years focused on the family and raising her three daughters in a variety of locations across Europe and The UK. Unsurprisingly, she is now ready for the next exciting chapter of her life, which will unveil itself over the course of 1000km walking The Western Front Way, and will involve helping others (re)discover their life's purpose as she taps into her own. When not out walking the beautiful forests and beaches of North-East Scotland she can be found indulging in her other great loves-cricket and dark chocolate.