Locations

Pete Leak

Joined 2006

Pete served as part of the Royal Green Jackets and was posted to a variety of locations including the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Kenya and Fiji, the latter as part of the British Army Recruiting Group selecting candidates from Fiji for the British Army. On Operations, Pete spent 3 years in Northern Ireland and was presented with a Mention in Dispatches as part of his teams’ actions in August 1992.

Upon joining MPCT in 2006, Pete began as an Instructor at MPC Cardiff before becoming the Lead Instructor in Wrexham and has progressed through the Company since then.

As well as having a physical training background, Pete is an avid exercise enthusiast and has taken part in a variety of endurance challenges to raise money for local charities. Pete feels that the mark of a good society is what we do for the most vulnerable within it to make their lives better. Pete is extremely proud to be part of MPCT, supporting young people in their career progression, and finds it extremely rewarding.

"The most rewarding part of the job is seeing learners progress within their chosen career. I enjoy helping them with any barriers they need to overcome and it gives me a sense of pride to see them develop into professional and focused young people."

~Pete Leak

David Di Lorenzo Gothard

Joined 2018

David is a former Royal Marines Commando and joined the corps in 2003. During his time in the Marines he served 2 years in a Armed Forces Careers office, where he trained potential candidates to pass the PRMC (Potential Royal Marines Course). David was able to raise the pass rate from 44% to 100% during his time.

As a fitness lover, David continued his career helping others achieve their goals and has worked around Europe doing so.

"I joined MPCT to help contribute my skills and experience to further develop young adults into a military career or for their future employment."

~David Di Lorenzo Gothard

Leigh Wootten

Joined 2017

Leigh was born in Walsall and has lived in this area of the Midlands all her life.

Leigh gained various qualifications to support her career path, including A-levels, a HND in Art and Design and a BA (Hons) in Visual Communication.
Leigh then went on to complete her PGCE at Birmingham Uni in 2010.
Since then she has worked within various teaching and training roles, including working as a primary school teacher, teaching maths and English GCSE to 16-18 year olds at various training providers, and creating/delivering online education and training courses for adults.

Sarah Hulme

Joined 2019

Sarah previously served six and a half years in the Navy as an Operator Mechanic (Above Water). Served on Type 22 Frigates predominately based in Plymouth. She then went from the Navy to civilian life where she applied for the RAF (the navy refused my request to transfer) and the Prison Service. Took the offer from the RAF, completed basic training, went to PT School at RAF Cosford where Sarah decided she wasn't getting any younger & needed to put some roots down! Coincidentally, after being placed on a waiting list, a week after leaving Sarah had a call to join HMP Featherstone. She then spent seven & a half years as a Prison Officer with male adult prisoners. Sarah then went on to work with challenging children an education environment as well as residential care.

Previously represented the RN at football & hockey, Sarah also established the first ever Prison Service Women's hockey team. She loves high intensity workouts and have previously ran an outdoor bootcamp.

"When I saw the advert for MPCT I thought it was my dream job!
The positivity is evident & I hope my past experience is going to have a positive impact on the learners I'll be teaching. I am delighted to be joining the team!"

~Sarah Hulme

Tom Biddlestone

On leaving school, I joined the Army at the age of 16 in 2001 and attended Army Foundation College Harrogate. I served 10 years in the Household Cavalry rising to the rank of Lance Corporal of Horse (LCoH). I deployed on operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan in several roles including CVRT (combat vehicle reconnaissance tracked) driver, gunner on various weapons platforms, and a crew commander on CVRT, Jackal and Panther.

I left the regular Army in 2011 to focus on my family life. However, I realised that I missed the camaraderie and challenge that the military provided. I rejoined the Army reserve in 2015, joining The Royal Yeomanry as a Corporal. I have completed several instructor courses during this time including drill, skill at arms, LFTT RMQ (life fire tactical training range management qualification), urban operations, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) and CEO (counter explosive ordinance).

I mobilised and deployed on Op Cabrit in Poland as a troop sergeant in 2020/2021. This was a very rewarding tour for me, whereby I was responsible for the welfare and discipline of a troop and the management of all the kit that enabled us to do our job effectively.

I also manage the RY shooting team. We have been lucky enough to win best reserve team in the brigade for the 4 years that I have entered.

I am a keen footballer and manage the RY football team. We train most Thursday evenings, which helps build unit cohesion as well as improving fitness at the same time. I have represented the RY on an international level playing in France to celebrate the Normandy 75 celebrations.

In my personal life I am a father of three children, Hollie aged 15, Alex aged 6 and Emilia aged 3 weeks. I also have a Springer Spaniel, Juno, who keeps us all on our toes daily!