The following is a genuine account to why I would consider the value of the service that Simon is providing. A few years ago, I had reached the limit of what I wished to achieve from a military career and was deciding whether to pursue a second career as a doctor. However, I was well aware that my chances of gaining a place in medical school was unlikely owing to a poor background education and lack of experience in this profession. To further complicate decisions, there were people I trusted who tried pushing me towards other ‘more realistic’ goals. This was at a time when my own judgement was likely clouded. I was struggling with life generally and had no future direction, to which a combination of combat stress with a high pace of life had likely contributed and amplified some of these problems. Deep down I desired this opportunity, but this appeared to be out of my reach or ability.

I first met Simon six years ago, who was my mentor, when I was placed on an attachment within a hospital through the military. It was the initial impressions of professionalism with approachability which gave me the confidence to discuss both some of the problems I was facing as well as a career move. This combination can be very challenging for a person to even begin to unravel and to seek the roots of the problem, especially following such minimal contact. Although not a willing person to express my deep thoughts and emotions, I recognised a connection by Simon to which few people could relate. This ultimately contributed to the confidence needed to pursue a future goal instead of, what I feared, giving up on life.

Simon’s own professional status as a pre-hospital consultant, in combination with the many years spent as a military officer clearly reflect just some of the qualities of professionalism, determination, and most important to myself, life experience. On reflection, this is partly why I placed trust in Simon in the first place and I feel I owe Simon greatly for the support, understanding and guidance he gave me at this difficult time. Sometimes you sit back and think there is nowhere else to go. You have done everything you have ever wanted and had what others would say is a ‘exceptional life’, but the truth is you don’t feel that way and, in some respects, consider yourself a failure. This is a service I have used in the past but without actually realising it. Simon is someone I had never met before but is the individual who was clearly experienced with all the good, and not so good aspects that life delivers.