The SAS Reserve tends to be made up of former paratroopers and commandos who still want a challenge, but it is open to civilians.

One thing I know for sure: it is only by doing what we fear that we can ever truly learn to be brave.

I'm terrified of walking into a room full of people. Sitting down at a dinner table with 15 strangers brings me out in a sweat.

Americans are cool, if you show just a chink of vulnerability, they respond so much. They'll pat you on the arm and say, 'Hey kid, you're all right'. Brits will respond but they are much more cynical.

The appeal of the wild for me is its unpredictability. You have to develop an awareness, react fast, be resourceful and come up with a plan and act on it.

Being brave isn't the absence of fear. Being brave is having that fear but finding a way through it.

Survival requires us to leave our prejudices at home. It's about doing whatever it takes - and ultimately those with the biggest heart will win.