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The event which is now in its fifth year is all about connecting businesses , charities , not for profits and individuals for good . The theme this year is collaboration and the aim is to provide a space for organisations from all sectors to network , share learnings and go for growth with far reaching benefits to our communities . As part of the day , James Gwinnett a former contestant and finalist on the TV show SAS : Who Dares Wins is set to share his battle with mental ill health .
James who is now Associate Director at local PR firm , Clearly PR , was plunged into a state of depression following a serious rugby injury which led to alcohol addiction .
James was previously a semi-professional player , but injury stopped play following a rugby tackle which almost paralysed him . His life as he knew it was over and he sought to fill the void at the bottom of a bottle .
A three-year spiral ensued but James turned his life around when he realised what he was missing in his life was the discipline and routine that rugby gave him .
Seeking a challenge that would help turn his life around , he signed up to run the
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London Marathon ; a seemingly impossible task for an alcoholic , 17-stone former rugby player . But a year later , after crossing the finish line , he caught the running bug and has subsequently taken on a series of increasingly arduous ultra-marathons of 100-miles and more . Never one to do anything by halves , James continued to push himself , signing up to be a contestant on Channel 4 ’ s SAS : Who Dares Wins . The programme sees ex-special forces soldiers putting recruits through a recreation of the SAS selection process and the ultimate test of their physical and psychological resilience .
Now seven years sober , at The Business Exchange South West Charity Conference & Expo James will share his journey and how running helped save him from himself .
All businesses , charities , not for profits and individuals are welcome to attend the talk and tickets are free thanks to the support of event sponsors Stone King LLP , Milsted Langdon LLP and RBC Brewin Dolphin .
As part of the session , local charities and organisations will be available to meet delegates to discuss how they can help those suffering from mental ill health , anxiety ,
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abuse , or addiction to show that there is a way out and support available .
The Business Exchange South West Charity Conference and Expo starts at 8:30am on Thursday 15th June with a networking breakfast . The expo officially opens at 10am- 4pm with over 50 exhibitors and there are a range of seminar sessions and talks planned throughout the day on topical subjects , from charities vital signs reports to talks on governance , finance , social media and digital transformation .
James will take to the stage at 1-1:45pm and his session will be followed by an Equality , Diversity & Inclusion taster workshop with Bath Rugby Foundation which has 20 years ’ experience developing inclusive teams .
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You can book your FREE tickets via Eventbrite . Search for ‘ The Business Exchange South West ’ at : www . eventbrite . co . uk or email : press @ tbesw . co . uk for more details . |
‘ Local charities and organisations will be available to meet delegates to discuss how they can help those suffering from mental ill health , anxiety , abuse or addiction .’ |
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