The Team Forces Podcast

Pushing the Limits : Zara Lachlan’s Record Breaking Solo Atlantic Row

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast, Heledd chats with Zara Lachlan, the first female to row solo from Europe to mainland South America, and the youngest person ever to complete this epic journey.

A former cyclist and rower with no prior experience at sea, Zara took on this extraordinary challenge with just a few months of training. Battling relentless headwinds, isolation, and being bitten by a Barracuda, she pushed through moments of doubt, proving that resilience and mindset are everything.

Zara shares the highs and lows of her record-breaking journey, from near-misses with cargo ships to surreal hallucinations and unexpected encounters with sharks. She reflects on the mental toughness needed to keep going, the power of gratitude, and how this adventure has shaped her as she prepares to join the British Army.

Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

Unbreakable : Jon White’s Journey from Battlefield to World-Class Athlete

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast, Heledd talks with Jon White, a former Royal Marine who survived life-changing injuries in Afghanistan and turned adversity into triumph. 

Jon shares his experiences of recovery, his path to becoming a world-class athlete, and his mission to inspire others through executive coaching and leadership training. He opens up about mental resilience, overcoming imposter syndrome, and his ambitious goal of competing at the 2028 Paralympics.

Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

Pioneering Change : Elizabeth Winfield

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast, Heledd talks to Elizabeth Winfield, a former Army logistics officer, mother of three, and the driving force behind the Armed Forces Para Snow Sports Team (AFPST). Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey from discovering Nordic skiing in the Officers Training Corps to founding a British Para Nordic ski team after a 20-year gap. Her efforts have provided transformative recovery journeys for injured, wounded, and sick veterans through competitive snow sports.

Listen as Elizabeth discusses the power of community, the challenges of pioneering a programme from scratch, and the life-changing impact of AFPST’s initiatives on participants and their families. From fundraising adventures like Everest Base Camp to leading 90 athletes and staff to Colorado, Elizabeth’s unwavering commitment to giving back is nothing short of extraordinary.

Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

Turning Adversity into Triumph : Sally Orange

In this episode of the Team Forces Podcast, Heledd meets with Sally Orange, a physiotherapist, Army veteran, Guinness World Record holder, and mental health advocate. Sally's story is one of resilience, having overcome personal and professional challenges, including a nine-year journey to achieve her dream of becoming a physiotherapist and a battle with severe mental health struggles.

Sally shares how she transformed adversity into triumph through her work in the Army Medical Corps, her ground breaking physical feats—including marathons dressed as fruit to raise mental health awareness. Tune in to hear how Sally uses humour, empathy, and determination to inspire and support others, proving that small steps can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.

Feeling anxious, stressed, or need support? Shout is free, confidential and available 24/7 : https://giveusashout.org/get-help/

Donate now to help keep us listening, https://www.samaritans.org/break-the-silence/

 

Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

Rising Above Adversity : Lexi Chambers

In this episode, Heledd sits down with Lexi Chambers, an extraordinary individual who turned personal adversity into an inspiring legacy. A former Army recruit turned NHS nurse, Lexi faced incredible challenges, including life-altering injuries and the loss of her leg. Despite enduring immense physical pain and a rare neurological condition, she has triumphed as a five-time world record holder in wheelchair endurance events.

Lexi shares her remarkable story of resilience, her passion for women's rugby, and her ongoing mission to inspire others, particularly young women and veterans. From her military beginnings to her ambitious future goals, including wheeling the West Coast of America, Lexie reminds us all of the power of grit, adaptability, and community support.

Follow Lexi: https://www.instagram.com/lexi.alyx.chambers/?hl=en-gb

Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

Climbing to Recovery : Neil Heritage

In this inspiring episode of the Team Forces Podcast, host Heledd Kendrick speaks with Neil Heritage, a former soldier who served 11 years in the British Army and overcame life-changing injuries sustained in Iraq in 2004. Despite losing both legs above the knee, Neil has accomplished remarkable feats, including rowing across the Atlantic in 51 days and becoming the first double amputee to summit the Matterhorn.

During the episode, Neil discusses his journey from injury to recovery, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and his dedication to helping other veterans through his charity, Climb to Recovery. Neil’s story is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the power of determination.

Climb2Recovery website: https://www.c2r.org/

Neil's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neil.heritage.3

Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

Bouncing Back from a Huge Setback and Finding Purpose : Kelda Wood

On this episode, you'll meet Kelda Wood, who in her mid 20s suffered a leg injury while tending to her horse. After a long recovery journey, she bounced back in a big way! 

During this chat with Heledd you'll hear about the huge impact her injury made, to her physical health and her mental health.  You'll hear how she came to terms with "the new normal", and how she dealt with the perceived expectations of others.

There's so much covered here, including her charity Climbing Out, the power of community and how she had a whale as a friend for two days during her Atlantic Challenge....where she rowed across the ocean whilst shining a light on others.....Truly awesome 🚣‍♀️🤩

Climbing out : https://climbingout.org.uk/

Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/

Forces Wives Challenge - building confidence and resilience through adventure

Welcome to The Team Forces Podcast.  Join Heledd Kendrick as she talks to members of the armed forces who are doing extraordinary things, using challenge and adventure to help push their boundaries, both physically and mentally.

On this episode you’ll meet Heather Sharp, Founder and CEO of Forces Wives Challenge, a social enterprise that unites women who have partners in the Armed Forces through adventure and challenge.

Heather talks about how her experience in the military inspired her to set up FWC and provide exciting adventures for a community that is often left holding the fort at home.

Find out more about the work that we do on the official Team Forces website: https://teamforces.org/