StrongMen Bare Yourself: Simon Thomas

We are delighted to announce that after much hard work, blood, sweat and tears, our ‘Climb Your Mountain’ Kilimanjaro documentary is OUT NOW on our YouTube channel. We were very fortunate to have our friend, supporter and talented film maker Oliver Regan with us throughout the adventure, the result is a brutally honest and emotional experience for all of us that took part, and we hope this transmits across to you the audience as well. Reflection is inevitable and I have found myself reliving some of the experience, the laughter never seemed to end, well apart from the last 12 hours or so. From leaving Heathrow as a motley group of renegades all the way to the top of Africa’s highest mountain we remained a tight group without any crossed words or arguments. And whilst everyone’s experience differed, we all came back having benefitted from the trip. Our guides both in Country and from the UK helped provide the very best care and support and recognised the unique make up of our group through our experiences with trauma and specifically loss. Thanks to all our supporters who contributed to the campaign helping us raise just under £40k to help fund future events, our main sponsors Espero and those who donated kit and equipment. Pure Clear Harrier Train Running Sealskinz Revolution Race Osprey ThruDark Paramo Oxygen Advantage The Sourcer.Com  We hope that you enjoy the documentary and please reach out with your comments either via our email address [email protected] or via our social media platforms. If you wish to provide a donation to help us provide support to more and more bereaved men, you can use the link below to direct you straight to the right place. https://www.strongmen.org.uk/donate/

Anthony ‘Staz’ Stazicker is a man on a mission. Listen as he recounts his early years and the unexpected loss of his mother, his early days as a Royal Marine Commando, through 10 years of distinguished service in the Special Forces. Not content to rest on his laurels hear Staz talk about the success of performance clothing brand ThruDark and what he’s looking forward to next.

Listen to Ulrika as you never heard her before. From her early career in TV through to her appearance on legendary shows like Gladiator, Shooting Stars, and the Eurovision Song Contest. Listen as she opens her heart on the devastating and unexpected loss of her beloved pappa, how it impacted her, and continues to impact her 28 years later.

Listen to Lawrence talk candidly and openly about the unexpected loss of his sister, his early days in rugby with Wasps and England peaking to help win the Rugby World Cup in 2003. Hear one of England’s greatest ever players speak openly about his emotions in particular the impact on his close knit family following Francesca’s loss. Rugby fans will also want to hear his feelings on the sport as well as his opinions of current day England and beyond.   

Listen to Jeff talk about his difficult upbringing, the death of his maternal father who he never met, his time in foster care all the way through to bringing up his two boys Bobby and Freddie without their mother Jade. Jeff talks openly about his struggles, his dedication to self-improvement and the future.

Listen to Johnny talk about his unconventional childhood, his early years in the military with multiple tours of Afghanistan, including the loss of close colleagues. Hear Johnny talk about why he became and MP and his dedication to the veteran community through his position as Government Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

Listen to Simon talk about his early career in television, meeting his wife Gemma and their son Ethan. Simon discusses Gemma’s unexpected death and his battles since, bringing up Ethan without his mother. Simon talks openly about his battles with anger, loss and alcohol, as well as his recovery and meeting and marrying his new wife Derrina.

Listen to Billy talk about his tough childhood, his extensive career in the military, including 20 years in the SAS. Hear Billy talk openly about his experiences here including Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins.