C2R HQ
C2R has an experienced and diverse team of managers and instructors. The C2R HQ staff, along with help from our trustees, plan and run the main expeditions as well as instruct across the full range of the courses run throughout the year.
CEO & Chief Instructor
Joe Winch
Joe is a climber and mountaineer, Everest summiteer, and the CEO of Climb 2 Recovery. Outdoor and adventure sports, particularly climbing and mountaineering, have been an important part of Joe’s life since a young age, taking him on many endeavours and opening numerous opportunities along the way.
Following a twenty-year career in the Royal Marines Joe was medically discharged from the military with Complex PTSD in 2021, a condition he has frequently and publicly written and spoken about to help raise awareness and educate others. Joe has also been involved with the Defence Select Committee and the Quinquennial Review into the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme to help make substantial changes to the way veterans suffering psychological injuries are supported.
As well as supporting C2R Joe is an Ambassador for RMA-The Royal Marines Charity, and co-wrote and delivers the RMA-The Royal Marines Charity Commando Mindset resilience package (https://rma-trmc.org/commandomindset/). Both of these roles allow Joe to share many of the important lessons he has learnt through his recovery, climbing Everest, building C2R and changing government policy towards veterans with PTSD.
Joe is married to Amy, they have four children and live on the south coast.
Founder and Former CEO
Neil Heritage
Neil was medically discharged from the Army after 11 years of service having lost both legs above the knee in 2004 following a suicide bomb attack whilst deployed in Iraq. Neil used sporting challenge and adventurous pursuits to aid his physical and mental recovery. Since his injuries Neil has competed in triathlons, rowed across the Atlantic, climbed the Matterhorn, become a scuba diving instructor and kayaked the 2000km ‘inside passage' in North America.
In 2016 Neil felt that he had reached an advantaged stage of his own rehabilitation and wanted to help other Injured, wounded and sick (WIS) veterans with their recovery. He set up Climb 2 Recovery to provide long term opportunities for WIS veterans to compliment clinical support.
Having stood down as CEO in 2023 to pursue other career opportunities Neil remains actively involved with C2R.
Grant & Impact Manager
Jonnie Miller
Sport, outdoor recreation, climbing and instructing have always been important elements of life for Jonnie, who joined C2R as our Grants and Impact Manager. Jonnie is passionate about learning through discovery and experiences and enjoys learning about people, their situations, and their way of life. Most recently, Jonnie has been leading charity trekking events in Morocco, Nepal and Jordan, for varying groups of adults and school expeditions. A range of skills has enabled him to adapt to many different working environments as an outdoor professional. He is an individual with a profound sense of adventure which has helped him to continually challenge himself, grow and develop.
When not away on an expedition or with C2R he continues to develop his skill set as an International Mountain Leader and head out to enjoy walking, climbing and the wilderness.
He lives in France with his partner, son, and their Australian Shepard.
Senior Instructor
Chris Pretty
Chris left the Royal Marines and went into the Outdoor Industry as an instructor working at Outward Bound Ullswater in the Lake District. He then went on to other posts within the industry before extending life's adventure and having four children. Time in Lecturing at Colleges and Universities followed whilst pursuing instructing and the outdoor and educational qualifications required for the future. Years of guiding for KE Adventures in the European Alps followed with many personal and work-related adventures. A climber to the core, he continues to instruct and Technically Advise for Climbing Centres and businesses throughout the UK. More importantly, he continues his journey to climb harder and better routes throughout Europe. He trains and assesses Instructors but the key is coaching now and this is what he brings to C2R.
Member Director & Liaison
Andy Speed
28 years served within the Parachute Regiment, love the outdoors, suddenly taken away from me due to injury in 2012. Medically discharged in 2021, I came across C2R and have not looked back since. A truely insprining charity that gives so much to it’s members for so little in return.
A truely amazing place to be, with some great people who solidify the backbone of what the charity is, “Set up by wounded veterans for other wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel, Climb2Recovery is a charity that offers climbing courses to help with both physical and mental recovery”.
Lives in South Wales