Join us on this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary life of Gina Atkinson, a former Royal Signals engineer with a remarkable story of service and resilience. Gina's military career took her to 30 Signal Regiment, where she visited 35 countries during her first five years of service.
Following a deeply personal loss in 2019, Gina embarked on a mission to honour her brother's memory by running/cycling 100 miles a week for a year, raising £10,000 for a local cancer charity and establishing an Art Foundation in his name. Her dedication did not stop there; Gina continued to raise over £250,000 for veterans' charities through a series of inspiring challenges and initiatives, including ultra races and solo adventures across Scotland.
In this episode, Gina shares her journey of coping with grief through fitness and adventure, her experiences in the military, and her passion for supporting veterans and cancer patients alike. From riding across Death Valley to planning her next challenge of running from London to France in 2024, Gina's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of adventure to heal and inspire.
Learn how Gina's adventures and fundraising efforts have made a significant impact, and gain insights into her motivations, challenges, and the importance of mental health advocacy in her journey.
Join us as we explore Gina Atkinson's inspiring story on the Tough Girl Podcast.
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Show notes
Who is Gina
Being based on the Wirral, UK
Being a fundraiser for Veterans Charities
Combining her fundraising with crazy adventures
Growing up on the Wirral and why it’s an amazing location
Her early years spending time hillwalking in Wales
Joining the army cadets at 13
Deciding to join the army as an electronica engineer in the Royal Signals
Being posted to 30 Signal Regiment nicknamed the ‘globe trotters’
Visiting 35 countries in the first 5 years
Military memories from peace keeping missions
Volunteering at the orphanage in Bosnia
Making the decision to leave the army
Wanting to make a second career and experience something different
Starting fundraising for veterans charities almost straight away
Riding across Death Valley in America
Getting involved in ultra races and going to see places at the same time
The Wall Ultra Race across Hadrian’s Wall
Dealing with covid and losing her brother at age 52 to stage 4 bowl cancer
Coming up with the idea of doing 100 miles a week for 52 weeks - 5,200 miles in memory of her brother.
Dealing with grief and needing a distraction
Coping with stress and trauma by fitness and adventure in nature
Not knowing the next steps
Getting post adventures blues at the end of the challenge/adventure
Backdoor adventures
Raising funds for ssafa the Armed Forces charity
Meeting veterans and sharing stories and memories
Being an advocate for mental health
Raising over £250K for veterans charities and winning multiple awards
300 mile solo adventure across Scotland (3 bucket list challenges in one) walking the West highland Way, paddling the Great Glen, and then walking back on the Great Glen Way to Fort William
Getting injured and needing to return in 2024
Not taking a dip in lock ness
The planning behind the challenge ideas
Taking it from the idea to getting to the start line
Sticking to the plan
Using YouTube as a resource
Testing your kit and making sure your food is nutritious and tastes good
Keeping positive while on adventures
Motivation and discipline why you need both
Quote by D.H. Lawrence, “I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.”
Going back to your WHY
Motivation from the GI Jane movie and Legally Blonde
Being inspired by the Queen
The next challenge in 2024 - running to France from London!
Maintaining fitness levels while not on adventures
How to connect with Gina on social media
Final words of advice for other women who want to do more adventures
Starting on your own fitness journey
Why consistency is the key for training for endurance events
Try and enjoy it and remember why you are doing it
Social Media
Instagram: @goliveit.onelife
Facebook: @GinaGinelli
Military Memories is an anthology of poems from the force’s community.Profits go to Military Charities SSAFA & Sporting Force.
Instagram @Militarymemories2021
Twitter @militarymemos
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