About us

Simon William Dedman was born in April 1963 in Bristol,  he married  his wife Julie in June 1987 and they have one son James William Dedman born in 1998.

Simon went to Somerset College of Agriculture where he studied for his National Certificate and then went on to Usk Agricultural College where he  studied Advanced Pig Husbandry and then he went on to run a large pig unit on Salisbury Plain, after which, he went to the Falkland islands as a Shepherd based in Walker Creek and Goose Green in the post war period.

He returned to the Uk to join his wife in running their own company in Yorkshire which was started with a grant from the Princes Trust in 1984 and under their stewardship it grew to be the largest independent laboratory company in the UK. They continued to run and invest in a wide range of companies across the globe as diverse as food factories, snow machine distributors and the manufacture of  ophthalmic surgical equipment.

Simon went on to serve as a local Magistrate in Dewsbury and Leeds for a period of ten years, sitting in both Family and Adult Courts.

Simon has always been passionate about travel With a particular passion for rallies: he has driven 4x4s across the Himalayas to Everest base camp, throughout India,  Australia, Thailand , Malaysia , Vietnam and Cambodia. He was part of the first 4×4 crossing of the Bering Straits driving from Moscow to Uelen across Siberia, Kamchatka  in temperatures at -50 deg c in a Land Rover 110.

Simon has funded several trips around Scotland for veterans suffering from PTSD   and accompanied a 4×4 rally across  the Sahara desert with physically wounded veterans and  veterans suffering from PTSD. While on this expedition he saw how desperate veterans were to get back their sense of pride and achievement within a challenging team environment and he experienced first hand the benefits to these veterans of overland adventure therapy. As a direct result of this, he started VETRUN180 with two Ex-Marines in 2018.

The Dedman family funded the start-up of  www.vetrun180.org   and has provided the charity with funding for the first overland adventures , in addition to a warehouse with  seven fully kitted out  Land Rovers and all the necessary camping equipment from tents to cooking facilities for 24 veterans  participants.

James William Dedman was born on the 25th of March 1998 to Simon and Julie Dedman in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. In his formative years he attended Silcotes School and then went on to complete his A levels at Vilamoura International School in Portugal. 

2014 Was the year James formed a keen interest in International Double Trap Shooting. He competed in his first British Shooting selection at Beverly in East Yorkshire and following the competition his keen interest became a passion. That same year at the age of 16 he competed in a World Cup where he won his first gold medal on the international stage and won a silver medal at the European Championships. With a solid start to Double Trap he won two silver and one gold in the following year. In 2016 he attended 3 more word cups where he won two more silver and one bronze medal. 2017 was a big year for the then 19 year old James; three gold medals in three world cups, a coveted gold at the World Championships, a bronze while  competing  early in the over 21 category, and fourth place at the World Cup final. Over those years James has set two world records, and multiple British and European records. 

James inherited his love of travel from his father and so far has visited 86 countries. After shooting in several charitable clay shoots he was dismayed to see how little of the proceeds went directly to veterans in need. He also witnessed how other countries helped, thanked, and respected their ex armed forces. This was discussed with his father in 2018 after Simon had undertaken an expedition experience with veterans. As a result James helped with the Vet Run 180 startup by donating six Landrovers and the warehouse base for the rally equipment, space, and location that Vet Run 180 use before and after their life changing journeys. 

The eldest son to parents who met in the shooting team at RAF Cosford in the 60’s. Their postings took them around Europe, the Middle and Far East so Lawrence spent much of his youth surrounded by members of the UK and other NATO forces.

He lives in Cheshire, is married to Kelly and has two daughters, one about to start university to study bio-chemistry and the other has recently started working as an estate agent.

His dream was to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and join the Army, however injuries meant he was unable and only after 18 months of physio had to settle for serving with 3^rd Battalion the Royal Welch Fusiliers as part of the Territorial Army.

Lawrence then began a 30 year accidental accounting career and has worked for multinationals across Europe in various sectors including aerospace, biotechnology, plastics, laboratory testing and most recently with the Dedman family looking after the finances of several UK companies.

His families’ service records inspired him to take a keen interest in military history: His grand uncle earning the DFC but losing his life over Germany whose name is engraved at Runnymede. His grandfather was twice on the beaches in France at both Dunkirk and later Normandy as well as serving with the 8^th Army in Tobruk, El Alamein and Monte Cassino, and then volunteered again to serve in Malaya. His father served in Aden and still keeps shrapnel fragments to remind him of his lucky escape from an NLF attack on his foot patrol that killed his fellow serviceman.

He has given talks on First World War history and equipment to schools near his home in Cheshire and has assisted his county council loaning military collections for displays in local museums. In 2019, alongside other local amateur historians, he assisted with a ‘talking history’ event where visitors could ask a Tommy questions about life in the trenches.

Whilst having raised funds for military charities through sponsored events over the years, he feels, like Simon, Matt and James that something more proactive should be done to help repay the debt owed to our former and serving armed forces members, rather than simply funding existing organisations.

The testimonies of the veterans who Vetrun180 has so far been able to help, is proof positive that this charity works.

After 19 years service I was medically discharged in July 2015.    

My world came crashing down around me.  I tried various jobs but being honest, 

I struggled to adapt to civilian life, I was used to a world where the job got done when it needed to be and I trusted the blokes around me with my life and I didn’t get that same feeling in the jobs I did.  

After some complications with surgery I was advised to call it a day and retire.   

I hooked up with some other Veteran groups, Go-Karting and Motorsport but they were not for me. 

I saw an article in my local paper about VETRUN180 and thought that it sounded right up my street so I gave Matt a ring. 

I rocked up on day 1 of the Galicia expedition and honestly, it was like being back with my old Troop.  

The banter was there, the team work, the rush of pushing the vehicles to their limits over some testing terrain but most of all there is always someone there to have a brew and a chat with when and if you need it. 

We don’t like to admit it because of our proud military background but we all need someone who we can relate to and VetRun has that in spades. 

All I can say is get the application paperwork filled out and come and see for yourself, trust me, you won’t regret it. 

I was also part of the recce team for the first coast to coast which led on to the actual trip not long after.  

I was then asked if I fancied becoming a Team Leader for a trip coming up towards the end of the summer in Scotland and it took all of .1 of a second to jump at the chance and I can now start to help other veterans experience what I have been lucky enough to. 

I have completed 4 qualifications with VetRun, my Lantra off road driving , First Aid at Work, Mental Health First Aid and my First Responser Emergency Care course.  

VetRun has given me something that I can’t really put in to words.  My smile is back and I know that others who have been on trips feel the same. 

Joe Served almost 10 years as a Royal Marines Commando, until losing his leg to a sniper led to his discharge in 2014. He re-trained in forestry and industrial rope access, which has enabled him to work all over the world. He has facilitated and led expeditions around the globe for conservation, tourism and humanitarian efforts. He became a team leader after going on an expedition to Oman as a beneficiary, then the following year to Sweden as a guide.

Ben served in the Army with 33 Royal Engineers EOD & Search. In September 2011 Ben was deployed to Afghanistan. When on a search task, Ben was hit by an IED resulting in the loss of both legs, internal injuries, damage to his hand and other damage from frag and shrapnel.

I was medically discharged from the Royal Marines after a seventeen-year career. At the same time, I experienced a number of life changes and was struggling to envisage what the future would hold. I was lacking a sense of purpose and challenge in my life. I was intrigued when I received an email from my former rehabilitation troop (Hasler) Sgt Major with information about Vetrun180. I thought to myself “The concept sounds amazing; I should put myself out there and get involved”.  So, I decided to get in touch. I know for some reading this, that will be the hardest part. Please do get in touch, you won’t regret it. I can’t recommend getting involved enough.

My first trip was an off-road expedition from the east coast of Scotland to the west coast. We were trained in off-road driving and first aid before setting off. We travelled through Scotland’s picturesque and often imposing highland estates, wild camping along the way. Camping in a vehicle roof tent was a first for me. We had opportunities to participate in husky sledging, clay pigeon shooting, rifle shooting and to visit historical monuments during the expedition. I was lucky to be invited to repeat this expedition a year later. Both expeditions were brilliant and the ethos of the charity was something I began to completely believe in.  I was keen to be more involved and enable other veterans to gain the same experiences and numerous benefits that I have.

The following year I was invited to participate in a snowmobiling expedition into the Arctic Circle in Sweden. Travelling across the frozen Bothnian sea, seeing the local wildlife, witnessing the Aurora Borealis (Northern lights), ice fishing, staying in log cabins and local historic buildings, learning about the culture and history of the area are just a few of the highlights of an amazing expedition.

I have since gained my snowmobile qualification and have the exciting opportunity to be a team leader and help guide another group of veterans on an expedition through Arctic Sweden.

After these experiences, I fully bought into the concept, ethos and ideals of Vetrun180. Getting a team of wounded, injured and sick veterans from A to B via mechanical means, camping, cooking and navigating along the route whilst experiencing and immersing yourself in the local culture, the stunning and often dramatic environment, and getting to know people with similar experiences to yours, is a simple concept, but a nonetheless effective one. The groups quickly bond, with the goal being to safely reach the destination as a team and laugh a lot along the way. In my experience it’s the simple things that make it work – preparing the food, helping one another set up tents, sharing a meal around an open fire, and just sitting and chatting during the evenings in a beautiful remote landscape.

Helping each other when the vehicles get stuck is another one that brings the team together. I’ve personally lost count as to how many times I’ve disappeared up to my neck in either a bog or snow trying to help a teammate become unstuck. This bonding and camaraderie can create an environment that many veterans miss or lack in their lives. They feel they can be more open, discuss things they often don’t, relate better to those around them, regain a sense of belonging and a level of comfort they often don’t attain in their day-to-day lives. The benefits of this should never be underestimated.

Being involved with Vetrun180 is something I always look forward to. It has increased my level of self-worth when I’ve felt negative. It has enabled me to feel useful as an integral part of a team again, something I have missed since leaving the Royal Marines. I’ve gained a sense of purpose and a renewed belief in the fact that life should be lived. It has been a constant, when things are sadly unpredictable. The charity, its trustees, my fellow team leaders and beneficiaries have often enabled me to regain my smile when life has been particularly tough. So, put yourself out there and get involved!

If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you!

Mack -Vetrun180 Team leader & beneficiary.

My name is Danny, I have served with 1PWO/1 YORKS for 11 years. Throughout my service, I faced challenges leading to the loss of hearing during my deployment on Telic 9. Despite this I showed commitment, unwavering strength and resilience to continue my service throughout.

As a servicemember, I’ve learned the value of selflessness and bravery, and these experiences have shaped me profoundly. I take great pride in my dedication to my country and my fellow comrades. Despite the obstacles, I persevere with a determined spirit and a passion for making a positive impact.

Beyond my military service, I’m an individual with diverse interests and experiences. I embrace new challenges and believe in the power of continuous growth. I’m driven by a desire to inspire and support others, and I find fulfillment in helping those around me.

After 11 years of dedicated service with 1PWO/1 YORKS, I transitioned to a new path as a rope access technician. Over the years, I’ve worked my way up to site management level, embracing new challenges and honing my skills in this field.

During a challenging period in my life, I found solace and purpose by joining the charity VetRun180. This experience has been transformative, as it helped me rediscover myself and find a sense of fulfillment through helping others. My first trip with the charity was a turning point, igniting a passion to make a positive impact on the lives of beneficiaries facing difficult times.

The journey with the charity VetRun180 has been deeply rewarding, and I’m elated to have been offered the role as a potential team leader. It’s an honor to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I’m eager to give back by supporting and guiding future beneficiaries through their own struggles.

My experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and compassion. I’ve learned the value of camaraderie and the positive influence it can have on mental well-being. I carry these lessons with me as I continue to grow both personally and professionally, and I look forward to making a difference in the lives of others through my work and involvement with the charity.

In summary, I’m an individual who has transitioned from military service to a fulfilling career as a rope access technician, with a strong commitment to helping others through my involvement with the charity VetRun180. I’m dedicated to personal growth and making a positive impact on the lives of those facing challenges, using my experiences to inspire and support them through their dark times.

My 11 year career in the Royal Engineers was involuntarily cut short due to a spinal injury that led to a Medical Discharge.

Some of my best years and proudest moments were during my time served which paradoxically led to a difficult transition to civilian life.

I spent a number of years on strong medication to deal with chronic pain. Dealing with a huge change of direction in life led me down a path of severe negative thoughts. Due to my career ending and the side effects of the medication, I soon felt I’d lost my identity and purpose in life.

I’m now a self employed property developer and fortunate enough to be able to say I have found a new passion, however, prior to finding VetRun180 there were still large voids in my life which I struggled to fill.

Now being part of the VetRun team many of these voids have been fulfilled. I am particularly dedicated to supporting fellow veterans who may be dealing with physical, emotional or social challenges after their service.

The team of VetRun aim to inspire and create positive change for those facing adversity in the civilian world and I’m both grateful and proud to be a part of that team.

Hi I’m Drew I’ve worked as a chef from a young age as I grew up in the catering and hospitality industry , I joined the royal marines and was discharged  with fractured hips as a result of an accident on a training exercise

After my discharge I was suffering with depression , anxiety anger and alcohol issues as well as struggling to adapt and let go of the military lifestyle as well as struggling to find my place with what to do for a career after discharge

VetRun180 were fantastic as part of my physical and mental recovery and gave me an unbelievable opportunity to come along to Sweden on an arctic expedition which really was a turning point in my life

Since then I have been out with the team as a member to cook for the group and it’s beneficiaries and is to watch so many develop and benefit  amazing as I did

I’m thankfully now a chef and jnr team leader  for VetRun180 with a clear mind , healthy life style and  bond with my family and friends as well as having new goals which I now can focus fully on

After leaving the corps in 2018 I pursued my dream of teaching combat sports. I soon realised that alot of people seek out martial arts as a form of therapy and a break from the daily grinds of life. After struggling myself with mental health, this gave me another reason to push in this sector to create a place for people to come and release pressure with like minded individuals.

When I was introduced to VetRun180 by Ben I was taken away by the amount of good a single trip away can do and the support before and after the adventures that they offer.

Now as a TL within the organisation I am pushing that same focus of helping other individuals to find their purpose in life again and in doing so gives me my purpose.

My Vetrun 180 experience begin after I was accepted through the application process from a Friends recommendation, and I have to say that it has been an absolute game changer for me both professionally and personally. For me, VetRun180 epitomises what a charity for veterans should be about, veterans looking after veterans. It’s both an honour and and privilege to of firstly have been a beneficiary and now to be able to give something back as a team leader, thanks must go to Simon, Ross and Ben Lee for supporting me through my journey to become a team leader!

Lee was introduced to the VetRun180 by a random call out of the blue from an old Army friend who knew Lees story and wanted to help.

Lee was introduced into the ethos of “Adventure Therapy” by the best way VetRun180 know how.

After a conversation with one of the Team Leaders Lee was in the blink of an eye found himself amongst other veterans in Swedish Lapland on the most epic adventure. Every day he felt that he had found a higher purpose, he was home and comfortable with his surroundings again thanks to the TL’s support and guidance.

Lee was then asked a few weeks after the return from Sweden if he wanted to train to become a Team Leader and within a split second the answer was an obvious yes.

Then started the planning for the recent trips and Lee was sent to get qualified in both First Aid and 4×4 training delivered as part of LANTRA by Land Rover Skipton which was absolutely fantastic being showed what the vehicles can do and handle in a testing environment.

Fast forward a few weeks and Lee was learning from TL’s on a recent Portugal Expedition which again was out of this world, he was taking on more of the Leadership roles and getting involved with Navigation and learning the equipment which was fantastic.

Lee looks forward to leading and expedition and giving back as once you have been part of the VetRun180 family you never want to stop giving back to other Veterans as you really see the benefit with your own eyes.

Along the way you really meet some amazing Veterans who need some guidance, support or simply need to be around other people who understand and do not judge any situation which is what we ultimately are all about supporting each other.

Lee’s story with VetRun180 is only just beginning please get in touch to join this adventure.

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it wont change you”

Ben is a Veteran, Athlete & Explorer. He served over 16 years in the British Army and was medically discharged due to complex trauma and a diagnosis of PTSD. Ben was shot numerous times and received blast/fragmentation injuries to both arms and his upper torso, without a doubt his body armour saved his life.

VetRun180 has helped Ben along his recovery journey by way of adventure therapy. Being in the outdoors is something he is enthusiastic about and when the opportunity came about to join an expedition out in Portugal Ben couldn’t wait to embrace this amazing opportunity.

Having been privileged with a trip as a beneficiary, Ben is now a Expedition Team Leader and understands the importance of mindset, development and resilience.