Introduction to Barry

Barry is our Lead Clinical Therapist & Coach bringing together his Physiotherapy degree with his Level 3 (High performing) Triathlon Coach and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications. He has over 20 years of experience in various settings (NHS and private) and his extensive experience means he provides a complete service which is honest and effective.

Military Service and Early Career

Barry began his clinical journey by joining the Royal Army Medical Corps at the age of 16, in which he served for 8 years. Training as a Combat Medical Technician (comparable to ambulance paramedic work), he first served in West Germany (Osnabruik) in a Military Hospital in Berlin and was posted back to the UK just before The Wall came down in 1989. On returning to UK Barry completed tours of Northern Ireland and the Gulf during the first Gulf War. He was based in Bahrain and Forward Field Hospital treating mainly Iraqi casualties. He left to pursue a career in Physiotherapy.

Transition to Physiotherapy

To gain entry into university to study physiotherapy, a combination of formal study and work was required. Along with standard academic study, functional courses included a Diploma in Sports Therapy in which distinctions in all areas were achieved. Part-time work as a lifeguard, swimming teacher and fitness instructor supported this and included experiential acknowledgment and subsequent ability to deliver first aid at work courses for St Johns and components on a massage course.

Management Role and University Education

A brief period as manager of the health and beauty spa at Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno; overseeing its completion, staffing and subsequent opening. It did not take Barry long to appreciate that his heart was in a more ‘hands-on’ and practical role, re-address his drive to become a physiotherapist and from which gain acceptance into the University Hospital of Wales College of Medicine (Cardiff) in 1998. The three years of study, as a mature student saw him graduate in June of 2001 with a BSc Degree in Physiotherapy. As well as the usual mix of core placements (outpatients, respiratory, neurology and orthopaedics), he was also lucky enough to experience a placement in amputee rehab, community care and care of the elderly.

Professional Experience in Physiotherapy

Starting work in a rotational position at Warwick Hospital, Barry gained experience in all core areas including intensive care, cardiac rehab, back pain management teams and neurological rehabilitation. He was lucky enough to also be offered time at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham (amputee rehab) as well as direct teaching time with specialists and consultants (including joint sessions with medical students). A move to a more senior position in Coventry saw specialization in an orthopaedic and outpatient direction. Roles included specialist triage clinics (with the ability for direct MRI and full orthopaedic referral), back pain management services, and GP practice sessions. These required direct work with senior consultants and specialists for teaching.

Leadership and Teaching Roles

In both Warwick and Coventry, Barry’s clinical leadership and teaching skills were developed where he was an integral part of each team and had an active role as clinical educator for physiotherapy students from Coventry University. Leaving the NHS, Barry spent a short period of time with Connect Health (occupational health within KP and Jacobs factories) supplemented by private practice and locum (NHS cover) work. Spells within military physiotherapy and the Warwickshire Falls Service preceded an invitation to join the Oxford House Clinic, Llandudno which saw him return home to North Wales.

Return to North Wales

Becoming well known back in the Llandudno and Conwy area, Barry gained valuable experience with a mix of both Medical, Legal/Insurance and private clients. He continued his role with Student clinical education by offering this service to Keele University and becoming one of the first private clinics to accept and work with students.

Personal Life and Career Development

Meeting and going on to marry Lyndsay not only enhanced his private life but also his career. She became involved with the rehabilitation work from which development required an onward move to Wells Fitness and his current position.

Early Athletic Achievements

Starting as a swimmer Barry was competing at school-level by 11 years of age, then county level by 13. Later gaining Welsh trials he added a multi-disciplinary aspect with lifesaving competitions winning medals at club, regional and Welsh levels. Barry gained Royal Army Medical Corps apprentice college colours for swimming during basic training period whilst also trying out tug-of-war. In his early years, he continued to represent his units but adding water-polo, ‘March and Shoot’ and rugby to his repertoire whilst also trying boxing, squash and orienteering.

Introduction to Triathlons and Further Athletic Pursuits

A recreational interest in cycling became more competitive when he added this to swimming and whilst in Berlin, competed in his first triathlon. Encouraged by a former professional cyclist, he finished in the top 10 out of a field of over 140, also demonstrating an aptitude for running! A respectable 2 hours 59 minutes and 52 seconds in his first marathon further proved this. He also led the competition home in an American/British challenge ‘March and Shoot’ competition which his unit won. Completing his first Ironman distance Triathlon on returning to the UK, he was recruited into his new units swimming, athletics, and cross-country teams. His running ability appeared to extend over a range of distances from 1,500 meters (4 mins 27 seconds), 5km (16 mins 31 seconds), 10km (35 minutes 32 seconds) and half marathon (1 hour 21 minutes). Gaining a Diploma in Health and Fitness as well as a swimming teaching qualification, the former allowing him to assist the Army PT’s by leading sports-specific instruction whilst in the Gulf. Whilst in Bahrain, he also ran the anchor leg in a 10-person international 20km run (relay) where they finished fifth.

Post-Army Triathlon Pursuits

On leaving the army, Barry pursued his passion for triathlon (Welsh Grand Prix Series and a further ironman distance event [11 hours 31 minutes]) and its individual components (cycling time trials and run events). Complemented by fitness, coaching and swimming teaching qualifications, he also became lead coach (voluntary) in Carneddau Triathlon Club.

University and Continued Athletic Involvement

Whilst at University between 1998 and 2001, Triathlon was accompanied by Rugby and Rowing (4’s and an 8’s crew). On the indoor-rowing scene, he recorded times of 16 minutes 35 seconds for 2k on a concept-2 rower but was unable to compete in championships due to being hospitalized with pneumonia.

Coaching and Guiding Roles

Following graduation, Barry’s time was split between participation in and coaching of Triathlon. Training and competing (including sustaining a broken arm in the infamous Etape’de tour) was supported by coaching and guiding a visually impaired athlete (Maggie) and led to organizing training camps for other athletes with disabilities and recognition by British Triathlon with a small role in para-development. As well as national events, Maggie represented team GB. She wore team colours at the British championships and then the World Championships (be it with restrictions) in Vancouver where they were sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland. This was a very special time in his life.

Current Coaching and Personal Endeavours

Coming back home and with some hard training, Barry started participating in triathlons again whilst also joining GOG Triathlon (Llandudno’s Great Orme Goats) with whom he also coached. Teaching Lyndsay to swim, ride and run from scratch (no mean feat at the age of 35 years) he nurtured her interest and passion for sport. Still having aspirations of a long-course event with more racing, Barry’s dream is now split with his love of coaching. Qualifying as a British Triathlon High Performing (Level 3) Coach as well as gaining a Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification enables him to coach to the most complete degree, and to both groups and individuals. Agility and coordination can also assist with ballroom/Latin dancing.

Business Integration and Future Plans

The combination of all these factors means that together with Lyndsay, they can now incorporate coaching into the business so they can deliver training camps, courses, workshops and individual sessions, taking their story to the next level.