Gareth Polland

Gareth, my best friend, spouse, father to my daughter and unborn baby is an inspiration to me. Here is why - Despite growing up on a rough estate in West Central Scotland where drugs and crime were rife, at 19 he was selected to join the British junior volleyball team, however he decided to serve a 2 year voluntary mission for his church instead. Then he toured in Iraq for the British Army where he experienced many of his friends and comrades being killed during duty. He achieved a 1st class honours degree and was also awarded a prize for his outstanding performance during his time at university. Despite being accepted into Warwick to study for his masters, he decided to work to provide for our young family. A year later he was selected for a scholarship to study at the same university. He inspires me because he works so hard always achieves the best he is capable of despite difficult or challenging circumstances.