There are people you meet in your life, the older you get the more inspirational people you will hopefully get to meet. It took me about 48 years to meet Jon Le Galloudec! There are many things about Jon that are not inspirational, getting shot in the back whilst on Operations is most certainly NOT inspirational. What is both inspirational and remarkable is what he did after being shot, apart from screaming! Jon Le Galloudec is one of the most inspirational, extraordinary and humbling people you will have the pleasure of meeting. By nature he is quiet, reserved and would happily blend into a crowd; his story on the other hand needs to be screamed from the Cliff tops. Jon's story of overcoming injury and adversity is spellbinding, delivered by an extraordinary but ordinary Soldier...Don't wait 48 years to meet Jon, you will take far more away than inspiration after listening to his words
I have personally known Jon (Frenchie) for around 15 years. Initially we served together in the British Army and since leaving we have become close friends. Jon was always an exceptional character, professional and hard-working with a positive outlook to every aspect of life. Since he was severely wounded in Iraq in 2007 he has maintained that positive attitude against all odds and become an example to everyone around him. Every soldier considers the possibility of a serious injury that may leave them physically less capable and wonders how they'll deal with it. None really know the answer to that question until it happens. Jon has dealt with his injuries in a truly inspirational manner, accepting them whilst refusing to allow them to hinder him or diversely affect his life. He now devotes his time to raising awareness and funds for injured servicemen and women, and although he still suffers regular pain from his injuries he constantly strives to achieve new goals, climbing mountains and undertaking any new endeavour that comes his way to promote the worthy charities he is associated with. I cannot recommend Jon highly enough, I am proud to have served with him and even prouder to call him a friend.
When I became Ladies' Captain in November 2013, I chose the Help for Heroes Charity and a local MS Charity as my chosen Charities in my Captaincy year. As an army wife, I have always been interested in the Help 4 Heroes Charity and how it rehabilitates, supports, cares, etc. for our heroes. I was put in touch with Debbie Hogg, the Volunteer County Co-ordinator for Dorset for H4H. She and I have communicated a lot and we have had several events in support of H4H. When I asked about a speaker for our Coffee Morning in February, Debbie suggested you, Jon, as she and you had been together at a H4H function and she was very impressed by your speech. I am so glad that she did ask you and that you managed to come yesterday and do a Presentation for us. It was very interesting to hear of your background and the long way that you have come from that fateful day in Basra to now. You are inspirational in what you have achieved and what a wonderful Ambassador for H4H! Our audience were enthralled with your speech and I was very impressed that you did not have any notes, etc. but spoke from the heart. There were some interesting questions afterwards that you answered without hesitation. Everyone agreed that it had been a very worthwhile presentation and gave very generously to the collection at the end for H4H.
Jon is one of the most inspiring people I have the honour of knowing. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2009 with him and hearing his story on day one helped me get through some very challenging days that followed. Over the past 5 years Jon has spoken at a number of events for me and the feedback I have received from companies has always been exceptional. I can highly recommend Jon as an inspirational speaker, his story is one that must be heard. Jenny Packham, Events and Programmes Manager at the Help for Heroes run Tedworth House Recovery Centre: “Some people like to tell stories, whilst others have a story that needs to be told. Jon’s story definitely needs to be told. And heard. Jon speaks openly and honestly about his injury, the dark cloud he faced afterwards and the incredible achievements he has completed since. He speaks with ease and confidence, yet humility. The room was full of fellow injured Service personnel, all with their own stories, but all learning from Jon’s road to recovery. One resident said he ‘had never heard anyone else speak with such honesty’. Jon is nothing short of inspirational and deserves the biggest platform to tell the world his story. He will make you laugh, cry and give you the motivation to do something extraordinary. At the end of his talk, Jon reveals that his inspirations are his friend Rodney Wilson and his wife, Ela. Well, you are our inspiration Jon and the reason that Help for Heroes, with the support of the great British public, do what we do. Please know that we will support you, your fellow Band of Brothers and your family, for life.”