C2R HQ
C2R has an experienced and diverse team of managers and instructors. The C2R HQ staff, along with help from our trustees, plan and run the main expeditions as well as instruct across the full range of the courses run throughout the year.
CEO & Chief Instructor
Joe Winch
Joe served for over twenty years as a Royal Marines Commando Officer, leading teams through some of the world’s most demanding environments. His career, and the injuries that followed, shaped a deep understanding of resilience, recovery, and the human capacity to rebuild.
After life changing trauma and complex PTSD, Joe found healing not through the system, but through connection — to nature, to others, and to himself. That experience inspired his work with Climb 2 Recovery, where he now leads a community helping veterans rediscover purpose and belonging through climbing, trust, and shared challenge.
A qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, International Mountain Leader, and trauma informed facilitator, Joe is passionate about bridging the worlds of adventure, psychology, and peer-led recovery. His approach is grounded in humility, integrity, and the belief that true healing happens not in isolation or diagnosis, but in relationship and reconnection.
Founder and Former CEO
Neil Heritage
Neil was medically discharged from the Army after 11 years of service having lost both legs above the knee in 2004 following a suicide bomb attack whilst deployed in Iraq. Neil used sporting challenge and adventurous pursuits to aid his physical and mental recovery. Since his injuries Neil has competed in triathlons, rowed across the Atlantic, climbed the Matterhorn, become a scuba diving instructor and kayaked the 2000km ‘inside passage' in North America.
In 2016 Neil felt that he had reached an advantaged stage of his own rehabilitation and wanted to help other Injured, wounded and sick (WIS) veterans with their recovery. He set up Climb 2 Recovery to provide long term opportunities for WIS veterans to compliment clinical support.
Having stood down as CEO in 2023 to pursue other career opportunities Neil remains actively involved with C2R.
Grant & Impact Manager
Jonnie Miller
Sport, outdoor recreation, climbing and instructing have always been important elements of life for Jonnie, who joined C2R as our Grants and Impact Manager. Jonnie is passionate about learning through discovery and experiences and enjoys learning about people, their situations, and their way of life. Most recently, Jonnie has been leading charity trekking events in Morocco, Nepal and Jordan, for varying groups of adults and school expeditions. A range of skills has enabled him to adapt to many different working environments as an outdoor professional. He is an individual with a profound sense of adventure which has helped him to continually challenge himself, grow and develop.
When not away on an expedition or with C2R he continues to develop his skill set as an International Mountain Leader and head out to enjoy walking, climbing and the wilderness.
He lives in France with his partner, son, and their Australian Shepard.
Operations Manager
Shonagh Kinnear
Shonagh served proudly within the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, dedicating her career to supporting others, medically discharged in 2024. Her military experience, clinical expertise, and calm leadership now sit at the heart of Climb2Recovery’s operations.
Shonagh oversees the planning and delivery of courses, covers medical support, providing reassurance and professional guidance to all members.
Shonagh is the driving force behind C2R’s female only Ascension Courses, a pioneering initiative offering a safe and empowering space for women within the veteran community to rebuild confidence, strength, and connection through adventure.
Outside of her operational role, Shonagh has a strong interest in remote and expedition medicine, combining her medical knowledge with her passion for the outdoors to help others push beyond their perceived limits and find recovery through challenge.
I’ve spent over twenty years climbing and leading expeditions, but what’s now keeping me involved isn’t just the mountains, it’s what they reveal in people. My background in psychology and CBT has shaped how I approach recovery in the outdoors: helping people recognise patterns, face challenge, and find perspective in unfamiliar environments.
Working with Battle Back and now with Climb 2 Recovery has shown me how powerful that process can be when shared among those who’ve faced real adversity. Going forward with Climb 2 Recovery, I want to continue creating space for that — where challenge, trust, and reflection come together to rebuild confidence and direction.
Senior Instructor
Chris Pretty
Chris left the Royal Marines and went into the Outdoor Industry as an instructor working at Outward Bound Ullswater in the Lake District. He then went on to other posts within the industry before extending life's adventure and having four children. Time in Lecturing at Colleges and Universities followed whilst pursuing instructing and the outdoor and educational qualifications required for the future. Years of guiding for KE Adventures in the European Alps followed with many personal and work-related adventures. A climber to the core, he continues to instruct and Technically Advise for Climbing Centres and businesses throughout the UK. More importantly, he continues his journey to climb harder and better routes throughout Europe. He trains and assesses Instructors but the key is coaching now and this is what he brings to C2R.
Member Director & Liaison
Andy Speed (Speedy)
With 28 years of service in the Parachute Regiment, I now dedicate my time to working closely with every new member of Climb 2 Recovery and continuing to support our entire network.
My role means I’m committed to being available, responsive and grounded in our shared journey, if you ever have a question, concern, or simply want to connect, I’m here for you.
Outside of paperwork and inboxes you’ll usually find me out venturing with my son, training hard in the gym, scaling a crag face, or venturing out into the mountains
What guided me through my military years, discipline, focus, a resilient mindset, is exactly what I bring to our shared journey of growth, resilience and adventure.