A Celebration of Duty

Tip Cullen served in the Royal Marines for 30 years, rising to the Rank of Captain. He now works closely with the Soldiers Arts Academy, ‘B22’ Royal British Legion and the 'Company of Makers' in Portsmouth which are all non-profit organisations giving serving and former military personnel a route into the arts. These programmes are designed to help ex-service personnel transition into civilian life and can be a way of helping people overcome mental struggles.

Mike Beaton MBE joined the Royal Marines in 1986 where he qualified as a fully trained chef. He now heads up the Royal Marines Educational Awareness Team (EAT) where he tours the UK educating people how to cook healthy, nutritious food. One of Mike’s goals is to help tackle knife crime, teaching young people how to use knives in the kitchen and not on the streets. In 2020 he was awarded an MBE for his work in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Dr Napper is a Royal Navy Reservist Lieutenant and Post Doctoral Researcher at the University of Plymouth. Her research investigates the sources of plastic pollution into the environment and her work helped to influence the international ban of microbeads in cosmetics. In 2018 Imogen also became a National Geographic Explorer and Sky Ocean Rescue Scholar. In her free time she loves surfing and open water swimming near her home in Plymouth.

Rebecca Fyans (Bex) is a Petty Officer in the Royal Navy, a service family and carer advocate and a mother of three. When one of her children, Sebby, was born with Down Syndrome, The Royal Navy gave her a career break so she could dedicate her time to giving him the best start in life. Since then, Bex has become involved with charities, networks and support organisations and was made an MBE in 2020 for her commitment to disability and inclusion and diversity issues, both across Defence and in her local community.

Former Marine Captain Jonathan (Jon) White is a Royal Marines veteran who lost three limbs after accidentally standing on Improvised Explosive Device whilst on patrol in Afghanistan. Since then, he has been on the road to recovery and has continually sought new challenges. From learning to walk again, getting married, becoming a dad to becoming a para-athlete and even starting his leadership consultancy, Jon has proven that a strong will and sharp mind can overcome almost anything. White is now an inspirational speaker, sharing his journey and inspiring others.

Reservist Lieutenant Commander Mark Bannister joined the Maritime Reserves in October 2002 and is currently a full-time reservist at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth. Alongside his role in the Navy, Bannister also volunteers for South Central Ambulance Service, South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust and the RNLI. He’s also previously volunteered with St Johns delivering Covid-19 vaccinations to members of the public.

Lieutenant Isobel (Izzy) Rawlinson is an Expedition Leader and Marine Engineering Officer on submarines in the Royal Navy. In 2024 she will lead Team Valkryie, the first all-serving military women’s team in history to row an ocean, on a 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic. Known as the “world’s toughest row”, the challenge will raise money for military charities and organisations that support veterans and their families. Izzy has always been interested in testing her own resilience and adaptability and is passionate about being a role model for young women.