Meet The Team

• Phil Hello friends of Munro's Mariners. I'm 35 and a serving officer within Dorset constabulary, I am the baby of the group. I have not always been a copper, I started my working life farming in the West of the county, moving to the armed forces and eventually joining the Force in 1998. My passion in life is for any adventurous pastimes that involve drive, sweat and thought. A few years ago I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in my right hip, to anyone that can relate to my passions this was a life changing blow, my pastimes were eventually reduced to zero. However in the summer of 2007 I succumbed to common sense and the pain and under went a hip replacement procedure, I can honestly say since then I have not looked back. This is my second chance and it shall not be wasted. My motivation behind this expedition is to raise a significant amount of money for three very worthy causes in memory of a good friend and great copper. Nothing more nothing less. Thanks for your support .
• Mick Hello All
  I am currently working as the Partnership Superintendent with Dorset Police on the Bournemouth/Poole Division. I have 20 years police service having served 12 years with Hertfordshire Constabulary before transferring to Dorset Police in 2001. I currently live in Merley, Dorset with my wife Jane and two daughters, Tara and Sophie. Spare time hobbies centre around physical fitness with a preference around long-distance walking and cycling; I have been talked into cycling Land’s End to John O’Groats in June 2009! My interest in this event is threefold; the chance to raise money for three local charities, the physical fitness challenges as well as the fact that I had worked closely with Neil for the last four years prior to his passing.
• Chris One of my earliest memories is being pushed out to sea in a kayak by my parents - I presume this was for fun but sometimes wonder! From then on kayaking played a major part in my life. I qualified as a BCU Senior Instructor (now level 3 coach) at the age of 18 and continued coaching, gaining qualifications and experience through 10 years of working in outdoor centres, mainly in Devon and Cornwall. I’ve paddled all over the world including Australia, the Alps and a summer guiding on rivers in Tennessee and North Carolina. I’ve also competed twice in the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race with my fastest time being 24.5 hours to complete the gruelling 125-mile course.
  
  Simply speaking though, I just love being on the water enjoying the environment, whatever the conditions, with other like minded people. So, kayaking has provided me with a great deal for which I am grateful. This expedition allows me an opportunity to use the sport to help raise money for some great charities, join in with a great bunch of people, honour a lost colleague and to come out of semi-retirement enforced by having two very young, but wonderful, kids.
  
  
• Lynne Hi, I'm Lynne
  
  I am 37 years old, have been in the Police for 18 years, and am currently a Patrol Sergeant as Ferndown, covering a large rural area.
  
  Prior to this I was at Winton, where I worked with Neil, as my section Inspector. My earlier memories of Neil was when he was taking part in the 3 Peaks challenge and having spotted Jimmy Saville in a remote Bar in Glencoe, Neil had to drag him over and introduce us all to him!!
  
  I am married with no children. My interests are mainly in the outdoors, with a passion for walking, cycling, swimming and canoeing. I have been involved in many challenges over the years including being part of a leadship team on 2 Duke of Edinburgh Award trips to Kenya, climbing Mount Kenya, and one to South Africa. I have done sponsored events such as walking Hadrians Wall, the West Highland Way and the 3 Peaks. Last year I walked the 3 highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales and cycled 500 miles in between raising over £5,000 for a disbled campsite where I run a camp.
  
  I have done alot of kayaking over the last 20 years, mainly on rivers or in a canadian canoe. This whole sea kayak thing is a whole new adventure for me. It will certainly be a challenge, just trying to keep up with the other 'machines' in the team; A challenge i will hopefully look back on with fondness over the years and be proud to have helped raise money along the way for 3 very worthy chartities.
  
  Lynne
• Gary Gary (AKA Actionman!)
  
  Hello everyone
  
  I joined Dorset Police Cadets straight from my paper round in 1980 having been kicked out of the house by my "Old Man!" I moved onto the regulars in 1982 where I have served as a front line patrol officer for most of my service.
  
  In 2001 I was elected onto the Police Federation, a statutory organisation concerned with the welfare of police officers. I now occupy a full time role in that capacity specialising in the representation of colleagues subject of Misconduct procedures and am Discipline lead for the County.
  
  My interests lie with the great outdoors and my never ending quest to challenge my physical/mental ability. I prefer unorthodox events in less than comfortable conditions and, as this has been going on for years, I wont seek to bore you with the details! This includes regular travel to some "International Back Yards" where the walking is great, the waters are clear and the mountains are high!
  
  My regular activities include: running, cycling, long distance hiking/mountain walking, diving, kayaking and parachuting and just about anything else endurance related.
  
  You will see that my mug shot incorporates "Agent Fudge MI6", during a recent visit to Snowdonia. The Fudgemeister was commissioned to a small group of us by my late friend Angie Evans who sadly passed away in 2007. Our mission is to publicise his exploits to one another and keep her spirit alive...Trust me, there is never a dull moment. He is a regular part of the endurance team now and, having dived on wrecks and jumped from planes, will impress upon you.."Carpe Diem"
  
  Agent Fudge will, of course, accompany the Munro's Mariners team as they attempt to replicate Operation Frankton.
  
  
• Billy When Phil asked me if I was interested in taking part in something challenging and a little unusual I jumped at the chance. I've always taken part in endurance type events having run cross country for England, finished in the top 50 in the London Marathon and having skied 65km in the World Loppet (XC Skiing) Series. I've always enjoyed any outdoor activity and as an Ex-Royal Marine have dabbled and played with canoes and kayaks over the years. This venture seemed like the perfect opportunity to get out on the water again, learn some new skills and raise lots of cash for some fantastic causes. The training has been tough at times but I've loved every minute of it and I'm now looking forward to a long summer of paddling, fishing and BBQ's on the beach!
  
  Billy
• Mark AKA "Catweazle" has no military, kayaking or endurance event background whatsoever,and also has a figure that's frankly more Kate Moss than James Cracknell; I'm therefore particularly grateful of Phil & Co.'s faith in my ability and determination to succeed as a Munro's paddler (so far, so good!!!). I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Poolite and former fisherman who’s always been keen to get wet ‘n’ salty(?!) and when not paddling I’m a keen if inept surfer, having fallen off waves in various parts of the world to the mirth of many…
  
  The causes and inspirations behind the event are resonant for any number of reasons and I'm deeply honoured to be a part of the team that WILL arrive in Bourdeaux... Thank you all for your interest and support – the charities are good ones people, so please do the necessary…
• Dave Im a spritely 46 years old, has been a serving officer now for 18 years. I came into the job after a 10 year stint in the Royal Marines. Within the force I have worked at Bournemouth, Kinson and Boscombe stations followed by a few years on the firearms dept. I now have the pleasure to work on the Dog Section with my two colleagues Police Dogs Zuko (German Shepherd) and Guinness (Cocker Spaniel). I am married with two children. When asked if I will enjoy the event I replied "Ask me when I cross the finish line. What I know for definate is that it is in memory of a genuine, trusted and respected colleague who is much missed. I have already ordered a set of spare arms so that I can actually lift the celebratory pint when we finish. The charities are all in need of our help, so get your loose change out "
• Steve I will be 48 years of age when the event takes place. Having left school at 16 I was a computer engineer in the City of London, then served 9 years in the Royal Marines from 1981 to 1990. This included active service in the Falklands and 6 years in the Landing Craft Branch, serving on HMS Intrepid, RM Poole and Diego Garcia. I then spent a year parking boats in a marina in Poole before joining the Dorset Police in 1991. I have had a 32 year paddling career starting at school at the age of 15, completing the BCU proficiency and paddling on the Rivers Tay and Spey in Scotland. I then took a well earned 29 year break from the sport! In 2005 and having fully rested from my earlier paddling exertions, I took an Extended Career Break and went to Kingston Maurward College where I completed the Professional Outdoor Instructor course and am now a BCU Kayak Coach and an RYA dinghy instructor, and currently working at Dorset Police force headquarters.
• Howard Born on probation in Nottingham in June 1961, son of Brenda and Weston was always special. I have tried to link his birth with some other significant world event but it seemed nothing else really happened on that day, although staff at the Nottingham City Maternity Hospital still refers to it as Ugly Wednesday. At school he was different from the other 5 year olds… He was 11. Eventually through a series of bribes he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the City of Liverpool College, funding his studies with part time work with the Chippendales and Dream Boys. Shamed into leaving after a costume failure incident during the Officer and a Gentleman routine, and to evade the CSA, Howard moved to Bournemouth where he now lives as a pillar of society.
  
  Significant Others: Brenda and Weston: Kerrie Smith: Kids Chloe, Hannah and Harry: Brother and Sisters Matthew, Lindsay and Helen. I Love them all
  
  Interests: Track athletics was my main sport but now anything endurance based that helps keep the stomach off and doesn’t hurt the legs to much. New to Kayaking and finding it hard work (Old dog new tricks) I think I am the old man of the group! But loving every minute of it.
  
  Munro’s Mariners: Phil has done a fantastic job pulling this all together and his drive and enthusiasm for the cause is immeasurable. I feel very honoured to have been considered for a place in the team and privileged to be working with the rest of the group. Thanks Phil
• Barry Hi
  
  I have been employed by Dorset Police for 11 years and I am currently stationed at Swanage. I am a safer neighbourhood officer for the rural patch of Swanage.
  I have been kayaking since I was 13 years old. I have kayaked in the Alps on white water, in surf on the beaches of Morocco and north Spain and also along the coast in Dorset. I have completed the Ex descent race and currently planning to Kayak across the Irish Sea. I knew Neil and worked with him whilst I was in Bournemouth. This trip gives us the opportunity to paddle in memory of Neil and raise money for worthy charities. If I could ask you one thing if you have not done so already and give as much as you can spare to the cause. I and the team would be very grateful! Thanks for your support.
  
  All the best
  
  Barry