meet the team
Tom Blakey, Director
With over 30 years of distinguished service in the Parachute Regiment, Tom Blakey brings a wealth of real-world operational experience and leadership to First In Events. Serving with 1 Para, the elite Pathfinder Platoon, and the Red Devils Freefall Display Team, Tom completed seven operational tours, including deployments to Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Macedonia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
As a Patrol Commander and Forward Air Controller, Tom operated behind enemy lines in some of the world’s most challenging environments. He is a highly qualified Freefall Instructor, Jungle Warfare Instructor, and Mountain Leader, with over 4,500 freefall jumps — including multiple HALO and HAHO parachute descents.
Tom’s passion is now focused on helping others develop their own skills, confidence, and resilience through immersive, scenario-based training. His calm leadership, unmatched experience, and attention to detail make him a key pillar of the First In Events team.
"Pressure reveals character. The outdoors teaches you more about yourself than any classroom ever will."
When he’s not teaching, you’ll find Tom hillwalking, skydiving, or planning the next challenge for those ready to test their limits.
Carl Beavan, Instructor
With a combined 35 years of frontline experience, Carl Beavan brings a unique blend of military precision and real-world emergency response to the First In Events team. Carl served for 13 years in the Parachute Regiment, including 5 years with the elite Pathfinders, and completed operational tours in Northern Ireland and Kosovo.
After leaving the military, Carl began a second career in the London Fire Brigade, serving for over two decades. During this time, he spent 10 years with the UK International Search and Rescue Team, responding to global natural disasters and humanitarian crises — from earthquakes to floods.
Carl is a highly qualified Jungle Warfare Instructor, Combat & Survival Instructor, Tracking Instructor, and Mountain Leader, with more than 25 years of experience in mountainous environments.
Known for his calm, methodical approach and deep knowledge of remote environments, Carl now channels his passion for adventure into mountaineering, endurance racing, and teaching others how to thrive in extreme conditions.
Jason Wing, Instructor
Jason undertook 12 years military service and deployed on operational tours including the Gulf War and Bosnia. He qualified as a Parachute Signaller, Special Forces Communicator (SFC) and completed the gruelling Pathfinder Patrols Cadre. Other highlights included operational deployment as a member of the General’s Close Protection Team, Jungle Warfare, SERE training, and Advanced Patrol Medicine.
Jason is an HCPC registered SORT qualified Paramedic (Specialist Operations Response Team) employed with Iqarus International as an austere environment paramedic and trainer. He has travelled extensively teaching TCCC / TECC to military SOF and high-risk environment teams.
He has climbed in the Himalaya to over 6000 metres, run 100-miles along the Nepalese / Indian border at altitude and completed the Iron Man Wales triathlon. In 2025, Jason deployed to the Himalaya with the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) as a team medic on a successful Mount Everest expedition. Jason has a passion for the outdoors as a qualified Mountain Leader and Climbing Instructor.
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Jo Jennings , Instructor
With over a decade of experience delivering outdoor education, Jo Jennings is one of the driving forces behind First In Events. A passionate instructor and leader, Jo specialises in bushcraft, survival, navigation, and youth development, blending hands-on expertise with an approachable, motivational style that inspires people of all ages.
Jo has worked across the UK in a variety of outdoor and adventure settings, developing and delivering sessions in climbing, canoeing, paddleboarding, axe throwing, and wilderness living skills. She is also a qualified youth instructor with a strong background in safeguarding, leadership, and personal development coaching.
Her mission? To create real, challenging, and meaningful experiences that build confidence, resilience, and a genuine connection to the outdoors — whether you’re 8 or 88.
When not working, Jo can be found navigating the hills of Wales and Scotland or spending quality time with her family — always seeking balance between adventure and connection.
"Everyone has more in them than they think — sometimes they just need the right place, people, and pressure to bring it out."
Duncan Clark , Instructor
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With five decades of adventure under his belt, Duncan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every course—giving you the confidence that you’re learning from one of the best.
A qualified Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor, Survival Instructor, and Cold War veteran, Duncan served as a trooper with 23 SAS (Reserve). He has travelled and operated in some of the world’s most demanding environments—long before the age of mobile phones—when self-reliance and robust survival strategies were vital. That hard-earned knowledge is more relevant than ever in a world where technology can’t always be trusted.
Duncan completed his Combat Survival Training (now known as SERE) under the legendary John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman and went on to design and deliver the Level 4 ‘Survival Instructor Award’ at Northridge Adventure.
His resilience speaks for itself—not least in his remarkable recovery from recent major cancer surgery.
An engaging and passionate coach, Duncan is always eager to help others grow in confidence, competence, and enjoyment in the great outdoors.