The Team
Jordan Wylie MBE
Adventurer
Jordan Wylie MBE is an award winning adventurer, Sunday Times bestselling author and one of the stars of Channel 4’s BAFTA nominated TV shows Hunted and Celebrity Hunted.
The former soldier from Blackpool, Lancashire has held the position of National Ambassador for the Army Cadets for the last 6 years. Jordan’s greatest passion is using adventure to support, encourage and inspire children and young people.
In 2023, Jordan was appointed an MBE by HM King Charles III for voluntary services to education and charity. Jordan lives by his own mantra of “Be The Difference That Makes A Difference”.
Clive Bates
The Right Hand Man
An Electrical Engineer, running a small industrial ventilation & air quality company, with a passion for sustainability, energy saving, innovation.and adventure.
I have a keen interest in sustainable housing and I’m currently starting a self build fully sustainable, self powered eco-house, with a number of innovative features.
Katie Brooks
Expedition Support Manager Sponsor / Supporter Liaison
Katie is the Director of Bear Behind, a website and SEO company, President of Andover Women in Business, Chairman of the Test Valley Business Awards, Sponsor of the Young Persons category for the Pride of Andover Awards and also a Trustee for Frontline Children.
Katie’s journey took an exciting turn when she was invited by Jordan Wylie MBE to join the Great British Paddle team in 2020. Her organisational skills and unwavering commitment greatly contributed to the project’s mission and accomplishments. The collaboration marked the beginning of a dynamic partnership, eventually leading her to assume the role of Jordan Wylie’s Personal Assistant.
A certified scuba diver, she recently completed her search and recovery qualification, further aligning her efforts with ocean cleanup initiatives. Katie also finds enjoyment in the puzzle solving world of escape rooms, a reflection of her analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Nick Coates
Supporting the cycling aspect of the challenge
Nick Coates – BEAMZ Trust CIC – Founder – Director
Nick is an engineer by profession, with an insatiable desire to understand in depth, technical, biological and social systems. Nick’s father worked in the big house in the beautiful ‘Capability Brown’ landscape of Peper Harow Park. Initially the house was an Approved School but it transitioned in 1979 into Peper Harow Therapeutic Community. Nick developed a lifelong love of the natural environment and an early insight into the Youth Justice System.
Gaining a First-Class honours degree in Engineering Product Design at age 40, he took up a post with SEOS Ltd, a leading manufacturer of visual display systems for flight training and other simulation. Within three years he had risen to head the Research Department.
Since then, his career arced towards the vital imperatives to create sustainability and wellbeing.
His insights into wood, how the micro-structure creates its remarkable strength, formed by nature entirely from elements and energy which are within the reach of the seedling tree, have led him to understand the structural, environmental, spiritual and wellbeing benefits of re-invigorating humanity’s long relationship with wood and woodlands.
BEAMZ Trust CIC stems from Nick’s vision that the creation of beautiful, high performance, long lasting bicycles in ways that create a positive impact on the environment and on society.
Conrad Manning
Supporting the water aspect of the challenge
I am a naval architect and sailor who combines engineering with fun and practical water based projects that show you can do interesting things with rubbish!
My job is a combination of engineering and design that can be applied to anything from submarines to racing yachts.
Most recently I built a paddleboard from things taken from a skip and paddled it around Hayling Island before someone borrowed it to set multiple records around the Isle of Wight.
Richard Alexander
The Film Guy
Richard Alexander is a multifaceted British talent, known for his roles as an actor, writer, and broadcaster. With a diverse career spanning talk shows, comedy programming, and documentary filmmaking, he illuminates the human experience with empathy and wit.
Born in Wibsey, Bradford, Alexander’s journey began amidst the backdrop of Buttershaw, inspiring his early creative explorations. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Bradford, where he earned a BSc (Hons) in ‘Electronic Imaging & Media Communications,’ laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
In the realm of television, Alexander’s presence has graced both terrestrial and satellite channels, captivating audiences with shows like “BRAZEN” and “Rubbernecker.” His collaborations with Men and Motors showcased his versatility, while his innovative approaches garnered attention and acclaim.
Transitioning seamlessly from television to filmmaking, Alexander’s recent projects delve into poignant narratives, from sporting tales across diverse landscapes to heartfelt stories of resilience in the face of adversity. His dedication to storytelling shines through in every project, illuminating the human spirit with authenticity and insight.
Victoria Dewey
Supporting the educational aspect of the challenge
Victoria Dewey is an experienced teacher, currently working as Geography subject leader in a Hampshire primary school.
With a love of outdoor learning and a passion for environmental education, Victoria specialises in ensuring children develop an appreciation for the world they live in through a deep and meaningful sense of place and the important role they play in the Earth’s future.
In her spare time, Victoria enjoys spending time in the South Downs with her family including her dog, Rosie.