Ant Middleton

The one thing I've always said is I don't want them growing up without a father, and they're my inspiration to make sure I'm the best man I can be. I want them to have the father figure that I never had.

The kids have got their iPads, but they prefer to get out climbing trees and coming out with me. That's the kind of learning I want them to have: experiences.

When I left the military, I thought I would not have any problems with the transition - I'm very adaptable and very versatile - but I was wrong.

I joined the Marines, passed Special Forces selection, and became a young leader in the military.

I might wake up in the morning and go out for a six- to eight-mile run, and then in the afternoon, I might swim two or three kilometres. The next day, I'll mix it up and do a military circuit. I don't stick to a set programme.

I was very selfish when I was in the military - a very selfish man.

I'm an extreme do'er - I'm not an intellect; I'm not a bookworm. I do, do, do, and nine times out of ten, I fail, but I learn from that.

I trained my whole career to fight. I loved my job - I prioritised by job over my family, over my children.

When you're challenged to the extreme, you learn so much about yourself. And when you're willing to give that ultimate sacrifice, when you're willing to tackle a job or a task or a mission head-on and give 100%, you can achieve amazing things because you're almost fearless.

Followship is just as important as leadership. It's very important that you'll know if you're a great leader because you will have awesome followship. And the people behind you will take that burden of responsibility.

It's asking that never-ending question, 'Who am I?' which motivates me and takes me on a constant journey of self-discovery that teaches me so much. Will Everest make me more cautious? In reality, probably not.

On a 60-mile trek with a 200-kg. bergen on my back, I felt my ankle break. Some might have given up. I broke my other ankle to even up the pain. And carried on.