Find a Speaker

David Coleman

David Coleman

Royal Marines Commando injured in Grenade Explosion speaks on Mental Health and Resilience.

David Coleman is a former Royal Marines Commando who grew up as a child with a stammer.

After joining the most elite fighting force in the UK at only 16 years old, he was deployed to the front line of Afghanistan aged 18 where he was blown up by a Grenade during a company operation in the Nad-E-Ali Green Zone of Helmand Province.

In the wake of this, David was diagnosed with severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD, leading him to becoming suicidal after losing several of his very close friends.

David decided to flip these negatives into a positive by running a 43 mile ultra marathon whilst nursing a broken ankle and went on to help raise over £20,000 for armed forces mental health.

After overcoming a lifelong fear of speaking due to his stammer, David decided to step out of his comfort zone and speak publicly in order to share his story to the younger generation of resilience, mental health, dealing with adversity and set backs, and facing your fears.

In a world where mental health affects so many, David wanted to be a face for the fact that “it’s okay to not be okay” and help spread the message to try and help anyone else who is struggling.

Testimonials from Teachers

“Many thanks to Civvy 2 Commando CEO David Coleman for delivering an inspirational talk to members of the 6th Form at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys. David talked about the many challenges he has had to overcome in life, from school to Royal Marines training and from Afghanistan to life after the military. David talked passionately about mental health and the importance for boys/men to open up and talk about whatever difficulties they are experiencing. David, from all at AGSB, thank you and I would recommend David to speak at any school.”



– Graeme Wright, Head Master, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

"David Coleman; A powerful tale of integrity, friendship, struggles and resilience. David bravely delved into his real life story delivered one of the most raw and inspiring talks to our team of coaching experts. Examples of challenges that we can all relate to in every aspect of our day to day life, and how to take ownership in overcoming the struggles, move forward and thrive. Authentic, honest and helpful, it has helped us all look at ourselves deeper and reshaped our approach to adversity. Many thanks."




– Jason Duffy, Commercial Manager, Sedbergh School

"At Wellington we were privileged to host a presentation delivered by the 'Civvy to commando' company. The presenter was an ex-student, David Coleman, who has served as a Commando in the Royle Marines. David spoke to the students with raw honesty about his time in Afghanistan but also his own personal struggles with anxiety, PTSD and also overcoming his greatest fear of public speaking due to his difficulties with a stammer. David helped our students understand how they could apply his life experiences to their own context. David discussed the need for developing resilience even in the face of adversity, how to deal with feelings of anxiety and also the importance of speaking out about our Mental Health and asking for support when needed.

David spoke to our students about overcoming the fear of failure in the build up to their exams and the need to prepare thoroughly which will help to combat any anxiety felt. Students, teachers and parents alike were incredibly moved by David's story and learnt a lot from the underlying messages delivered. Several students came to thank David at the end of the presentation completely unprompted and this was testament to the power of the presentation itself. Wellington School would recommend David as a speaker without reserve."

– Louise Stephens, Assistant Headteacher, Wellington School

Speaker File

Location

Cheshire

Topics

  • New Speakers
  • Assemblies and Celebrations Events
  • Well-being
  • Anti-Bullying
  • Drugs/Alcohol
  • Mental Health
  • Adventure
  • Conference

Please enquire for pricing information.

Book Now

We have a wide range of speakers from £250 to £2000 plus travel and VAT. An indication of your budget would be useful to select appropriate speakers.

Thank you for the details, your data will be stored whilst we process this request.

Our Partners

Aim Higher Apprenticeships GDST Girls Out Loud St John Ambulance