TEENAGER Joshua Phillips has lost more than three stone in six months following training at the Military Preparation College.
The 18-year-oldr from South Wales, who has juggled an intense physical training routine with caring for his mother who has complex regional pain syndrome, is now set to achieve his dream of joining the British Army.
With strong military roots dating back to his great grandfather, Joshua had always dreamed of joining the Royal Welsh. However, at 17 years old, he was nearly four stone overweight.
Joshua heard about the Military Preparation College, a network of free-to-attend specialist colleges that help 16-18-year-olds build fitness through a curriculum combining military-style physical training with vocational instruction.
“It’s really different from normal college life as we’re not stuck in classrooms but spend hours outside each and every day,” explained Joshua. “It’s really engaging and has helped me to overcome some tough personal battles by really pushing myself.”
Having now completed his preparation training, Joshua is set to begin his military career for the Royal Welsh at Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire.
Steve Tallis, the lead instructor at the Military Preparation College in Bridgend, said: “We’re really proud of Joshua and how far he has come. To lose such a huge amount of weight in a very short space of time is an incredible achievement.
“He is a very inspiring young man who has overcome some difficult challenges to achieve his dream and is living proof that with the right attitude and support, everyone can achieve their goals in life.”
More in Army&You
For more about the College see our spotlight feature, From salon to salute, on page 35 of the summer edition of Army&You.