HEROES AMONG US: PODCAST

This week on Heroes Among Us, we are honoured to welcome Mark Lloyd, a leader whose career has been defined by service, innovation, and a deep commitment to improving communities. From his decade as Chief Executive of two councils to leading the Local Government Association for eight years, Mark has been at the forefront of driving change in public services. Now an Executive Director at IMPOWER, he continues to shape the future of local government, ensuring smarter, more effective services for those who need them most. Beyond his executive roles, Mark’s dedication extends to HM Prison & Probation Service, the UK...

This week on Heroes Among Us, we are honoured to feature Garrath Williams, a man whose life is defined by service, leadership, and a steadfast dedication to helping others. A fourth-generation military professional, Garrath’s career began in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment after graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. From commanding troops in Kosovo and Afghanistan to transferring to the Australian Army and leading a company in combat, Garrath’s military journey is one of courage and excellence. But his story doesn’t stop on the battlefield. Garrath’s unwavering commitment to veterans led him to co-found Veterans C...

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 Co...

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 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...

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 serve...

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...

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 ph...

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...

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...