a special tribute to those making invaluable contributions to the Motivation & Learning Trust’s mission
We are so grateful to the countless individuals and thousands of learners who have over the years done their bit to raise funds that contribute to the work we do removing barriers for young people and ensuring they get the best opportunity to fulfil their potential. Here we pay special tribute to those who have gone above and beyond, giving up enormous amounts of their own time to organise and participate in fundraising activities. The positive impact of your efforts and that you have our eternal appreciation are both without doubt.
Pete Leak
MPCT Regional Operations Manager
A Veteran of 12 years army service with the Royal Green Jackets (now re-named The Rifles) Pete served on Operations including Northern Ireland. During a two-and-a-half-year tour of the province, Pete’s efforts were recognised with a Mention In Dispatches for going “above and beyond” the normal performance for his peer group.
Since joining MPCT in 2006, Pete has certainly gone above and beyond in his efforts to raise funds for our charity The Motivation & Learning Trust. By entering a seemingly endless stream of sponsored physical activities, over the years Pete has raised an amazing total of £11,000. His latest endeavour sees him running between local war memorials throughout Cheshire and the Midlands. This is to raise funds for the Royal British Legion at this time when all charities are suffering from the effects of COVID-19.
Pete has previously accompanied Learners on a 4 Day Battlefield Tour to France and Belgium and supervised their wreath Laying activities at the internationally renowned Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Belgium. An ideal opportunity to see the funds he has raised being put to such good use in the development of MPCT Learners.
As a result of his fundraising, Pete was awarded the MLT Fundraising trophy at last year’s MPCT Senior Leadership Team Awards Ceremony. Well deserved Pete; and a fitting tribute to your outstanding contribution. You continue to inspire others to match your fundraising efforts and can justly take your place in our MLT Spotlight.
Ryan Roberts
Centre Manager, Military Preparation College Bangor
Veteran of The Royal Army Medical Corps, Ryan completed five years as a Combat Medical Technician and was commended for his performance on Operations in Afghanistan. He left the service and joined MPCT in 2009. Being bi-lingual and from North Wales, it was only natural that Ryan would fit in perfectly with the Military Preparation College Bangor and use the experience he had gained to become an outstanding role-model to the Learners at the college.
Since starting with MPCT, Ryan has undertaken 3 charity events each year. These have been for a variety of charities but mainly for The Motivation & Learning Trust, for which he has raised over £10,000 in total.
Whether it be sponsored climbs up Snowdon or other fitness orientated challenges, he will always go the extra mile to raise funds for the MLT.
The MLT is not the only organisation to recognise his efforts. He is a nominee for The Welsh Veterans Awards 2020 which unfortunately has been postponed until March 2021. We wish him every success with his nomination, he certainly deserves the recognition after 11 years of providing outstanding Leadership and acting as a role model to the young Learners, many living under difficult circumstances.
The MLT relies heavily on MPCT staff and Learners for raising funds for their charity. Ryan sets an excellent example in this area and we recognise his hard work and enthusiasm.
Brian Edwards
Deputy CEO, MPCT
A veteran of 10 years’ service with the Royal Regiment of Wales (now re-named The Royal Welsh), Brian served on military operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo and served in many other theatres throughout the world. During his service he was selected to play rugby at the highest levels. He played for the Army and Combined Service’s team (while only 20) and whilst attached to MPCT as a Military Co-ordinator, went on to play semi-professionally for Caerphilly.
Coming into contact with the Learners during this period gave Brian the impetus to make a career in education and on leaving the Army he joined MPCT in 2004. This was initially for 2 years before leaving to return to university to study for a Masters Degree. He re-joined MPCT as Quality Director in 2009 and was appointed Senior Director in 2014. Confirmed as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for the organisation in 2019, he has made outstanding advancements in gaining recognition for MPCT Staff and Learners from education based professional organisations such as Ofsted, Estyn, Times Educational Supplement and other awarding bodies.
Brian has been an outstanding advocate of the MLT Charity throughout its existence and has been instrumental in weaving the aims and charter of the MLT into the MPCT Learner Journey. Not only has he been fully supportive of our events but ensured that the Learners consider the MLT as being ‘Their Charity’.
Still maintaining a high level of fitness from his rugby days, Brian has raised a huge amount of funds for the MLT. Of particular note is the sum of over £11,000 raised together with MPCT CEO Huw Lewis, whilst taking part in the Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara. This event in 2017, considered by many to be the world’s toughest footrace, was completed successfully and he enjoyed it so much, he registered for it again in 2020. Unfortunately this was delayed due to Covid but hopefully will take place in 2021. Again he will raise funds for the MLT!
Other MLT Fundraising events that Brian has participated in are The Black Mountain Cycle Event, Battle to Battle (Hastings to Arnhem) cycle ride and many others. He regularly financially supports other MPCT Learners and staff who are undertaking fundraising for our charity. Fully deserving of his place in the Fundraisers Spotlight – take a bow Brian Edwards.
Adam Priddle
Centre Manager, Military Preparation School Pembrokeshire
A veteran of 10 years’ service with The 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards (The Welsh Cavalry), Adam served in a variety of roles and on Operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Always interested in adventurous training, Adam gained water sports qualifications while serving in Germany. Using The Mohnesee Sail Training Centre (famous for the dam of that name, breached in the Dambuster’s raid in WW2), he was focussed on building a broad base of qualifications for a career upon leaving the Army. Adding the Single-handed Army Dinghy Sailing Champion to his growing portfolio, Adam also competed in Nordic Skiing and football events. On leaving the Army, Adam was employed in Outdoor Education, initially at Chichester and then moving to Wales after a few years.
Joining MPCT in 2019, Adam is the Centre Manager of The Military Preparation School in Pembrokeshire. Based in Pembrokeshire College, Haverfordwest and a smaller site at Ysgol Harri Tudur in Pembroke, the college is the largest MPS location with over 120 attendees. They include children between the ages of 14-16 from schools across Pembrokeshire. At the recent MPCT Senior Leadership Team Awards Ceremony Adam was awarded “Most Positive Impact” for his efforts at the centre.
A relative newcomer to MPCT and the MLT, Adam has seen the value of the charity’s aims and charter in providing support to all MPCT Learners, including those at his college in Pembrokeshire. Carrying on from his previous charity fundraising efforts, he has embarked on a very ambitious challenge with funds raised to be split equally between the MLT and his other chosen charity ‘Friends of Portfield School’.
‘25 press-ups a day for 365 days is Adam’s current fundraising event which he started on August 1st 2020. He is now over five months into his challenge and has already exceeded his target of £500 and currently has gained £713 in sponsorship. This continues to grow and you can help Adam by googling ‘Adam Priddle Just Giving’ where you can make a donation. I am looking forward to joining him for a ‘quick 25’ when restrictions are lifted!
Fundraising for our charity has been very difficult during the COVID lockdown period but we have still provided support to our Learners during some very difficult times. Adam’s efforts are greatly appreciated and he richly deserves his time in the spotlight – thank you Adam.