Ben’s Story
Growing up in Birmingham Ben found school and learning through childhood difficult. Aged 17 years old he decided to join the British Army and in July 2005 attended basic training at Army Training Regiment, Lichfield. He went on to have a successful military career deploying worldwide on numerous exercises and operational deployments, completed a number of arduous courses and participated in a mix of sporting activities.
Ben was always looking for the next challenge and pursuing new goals in order to progress his career. Striving for excellence and pushing himself to the competitive edge of sport is ultimately what kept him focused and stimulated. In 2019 whilst on active duty, Ben’s world turned upside down. He was involved in an incident that has since changed his life. Ben was shot numerous times and received blast/fragmentation injuries to his upper torso and both arms, without a doubt his body armour saved his life. After receiving life saving intervention Ben was stabilised in hospital and underwent many operations one of which was extensive surgery to reconstruct his left arm with tendon, nerve and skin grafts as a result he now has surgical injuries to both legs. Being involved in a traumatic event Ben experienced a long period of recovery with many months of rehabilitation. During this period he felt lost and isolated, unable to come to terms with what had happened. Ben would often break down experiencing heavy emotions, suicidal ideations and constantly asking himself “why me?”. Subsequently Ben was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and underwent Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with a clinical psychologist.
Alongside complex trauma Ben was dealing with the loss of his Grandfather who was admitted to hospital shortly before his injuries and sadly passed away very soon after he was discharged from hospital. Many of Bens childhood years were spent with his grandparents. Also at the time of dealing with physical and mental illness Ben was also going through divorce. Although at the time things were amicable with his ex-wife it very quickly changed and Ben has spent many months without contact with his 3 beautiful children along with court/solicitor difficulties and the considerable costs associated.
Having been through a difficult time “I have now realised that it is important to make the most of my life and not dwell on the negativity caused by adversity and complex trauma.” Resilience, optimism and determination are qualities that highlight Bens consistent drive to succeed. Ben states “it is great to be back exploring the great outdoors, planning expeditions, training for endurance events and pursuing elite sports”. |
“Everything happens for a reason, that reason causes change. Sometimes it hurts and often its hard but in the end it makes us who we are.”
After joining the British Army Ben took an interest in keeping fit and healthy. After a number of operational tours, taking part in many military and outdoor fitness challenges and competing in triathlon he progressed his knowledge and expertise in physical training.
In 2012 Ben completed the All Arms Physical Training Instructor (PTI) course and in 2014 qualified as a Personal Trainer and CrossFit Coach. Always keen to broaden his knowledge and develop a strong skillset, Ben has gone on to complete courses in performance enhancement, corrective exercise, nutrition, mental health and strength & conditioning. Over many years of serving in the British Army, completing arduous courses and qualifying as a PTI Ben has had the privilege of gaining a broad knowledge and understanding in many areas of physical health and wellbeing. Delivering professional physical training to military units on high readiness, outdoor fitness classes in the local community and one to one sessions to personnel returning from injury or seeking a lifestyle change.
Ben has developed further knowledge and gained more experience through his own injuries whilst undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation journey. He has learned about recovering from complex trauma, dealing with mental illness alongside gaining a broader depth and understanding in adaptive training techniques and overcoming difficulties experienced through disability. Alongside fitness Ben volunteered to support others in his local community and would often be on shift as an Ambulance Co-Responder. Qualified in advanced medical skills and blue light emergency response driving. |
“Going to do today what other people aren’t willing to, so I can do tomorrow what other people can’t!.”
Now as a Professional Athlete Ben represents Great Britain at rowing and is part of the World Class / Paralympic Academy Programme. He is Internationally Classified PR3 with a physical impairment and competes both on the water and at indoor rowing competitions.
His journey started at Maidenhead Rowing Club back in May 2023 and in a short time has had many success’s in the sport. Ben has gone on to achieve British, European and World indoor rowing champion. Ben hopes to compete at the Paralympic Games alongside training to be a coach. His mission is to promote para sports, encourage and inspire others whilst striving for excellence. |
Qualifications - NASM Personal Trainer / Strength & Conditioning Coach* / Certified Nutrition Coach / CrossFit Coach and Gymnastics Trainer / L2 Award in Instructing Circuit Sessions / L2 Award in Active Healthy Lifestyles / L2 Award in Instructing Kettlebells / L2 Award in Mental Health Awareness / Youth Mental Health First Aid / Performance Enhancement Specialist / Corrective Exercise Specialist* / Studio Cycle Instructor / Indoor Rowing Coach
Other Experience - Summer Mountain Foundation and Mountain Leader Trainer / Rock Climbing Single Pitch Foundation / Ski Foundation 1 & 2 / Swimming Teacher & Lifeguard / L4 Diploma in Management and Leadership / L3 Award in Leadership and Management / L3 Diploma in First Line Management / Emergency First Aid at Work (CPR)
*Ongoing and not yet completed.
*Ongoing and not yet completed.
Ben Gallagher - Veteran | Athlete | Explorer
© 2024 Ben Gallagher, All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy • Terms of Use
© 2024 Ben Gallagher, All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy • Terms of Use