A Quiet Triumph on the Slopes: Mentorship, Resilience, and the Power of Possibility
A Quiet Triumph on the Slopes: Mentorship, Resilience, and the Power of Possibility
On Saturday 11th October, like most Saturday’s at the Snozone in Milton Keynes, it was alive with energy — families racing down slopes, instructors guiding eager learners, and the usual weekend buzz filling the air. But amidst the flurry of activity, something quietly remarkable was unfolding.
A Moment of Support
Ben Gallagher, adaptive skier and Mintridge Foundation mentor, was on the snow with his skis, standing beside a student experiencing the slopes for the very first time. Ben wasn’t skiing beyond what the student was doing — his focus was entirely on support. Alongside another instructor, he offered encouragement, advice, and the kind of reassurance that only someone who’s faced similar challenges can provide.
Ben’s Journey
Ben’s story is one of resilience. After sustaining serious injuries in 2019 while in the military and undergoing extensive surgery, he was left with greatly reduced mobility and strength in his left arm. Yet his determination to stay active in sports he once thought were out of reach has become a powerful source of inspiration which is what led him to his ambassadorial role with Team Mintridge.
The Mentoring Connection
That inspiration had already begun to take root. Ben first visited Prince William School in December, alongside fellow Mintridge athletes, to deliver a mentoring programme made possible by the Jacobs Futura Foundation. The initiative supported 10 mentors and 10 mentees, creating meaningful connections and opportunities for growth. It was during this school visit that Ben met a teenager from Northamptonshire who lives with arthrogryposis of the upper limbs — a condition that affects joint movement and muscle development.
Ben mentored the student over the following six months, and in his own words:
“Mentoring over the past few months has shown me just how life-changing Mintridge Ambassadors can be for young adults. The student I am mentoring lives with a disability affecting his upper limbs, but his passion for sport is unstoppable.
When I mentioned I was an adaptive ski instructor, his interest in snow sports grew with each session. His determination to ‘have a go’ was inspiring.
I made it my mission for us to finish our six-month programme on snow. This could give him the skills and confidence to ski or snowboard independently with his family and friends, proving that his disability doesn’t define his limits.”
Making It Happen
Ben discussed the idea with us at The Mintridge HQ, and our relationship and collaboration on previous programmes with the Johnny Reynolds Foundation in the Northamptonshire area, gave rise to a discussion, then an application for Ben to ask for funding to support the student with some ski lessons at the Snozone. where he himself skis. We are incredibly grateful to the Johnny Reynolds Foundation. Thanks to their funding, six ski lessons were secured, opening up an exciting new opportunity for the student. We feel truly fortunate that support like this is available. To offer extra encouragement and support, Ben attended the first lesson alongside the student.
More Than Just a Lesson
While the rest of Snozone carried on in its usual rhythm, few would have noticed the momentous thing happening nearby — a quiet triumph, a spark of belief, and the kind of connection that can change a life.
Moments like these confirm that sport is more than competition — it’s a bridge to confidence, inclusion, and opportunity. And sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in another to open the door to a future full of possibility.
We’re excited to see how the next five sessions unfold and where the power of mentoring can lead. With each lesson, confidence grows, skills develop, and a sense of belonging takes root. These sessions aren’t just about learning to ski — they’re about discovering what’s possible when someone is supported, encouraged, and truly seen. It’s in these consistent, meaningful moments that real change happens — not just in ability, but in self-worth and vision for the future.
This is just the beginning, and we look forward with hope and anticipation to the journey ahead.
A Special Thanks
We are incredibly grateful to the Johnny Reynolds Foundation for their unwavering support — Their incredible legacy continues to bring sporting opportunities to young people in areas where sport can feel like something only seen on television.
The Johnny Reynolds Foundation is a registered charity that exists to help children and young adults realise their dreams in sport. Collaborating with the Mintridge Foundation in Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas is a testament to what can happen when vision and opportunity meet.
Particular thanks to Ben Gallagher for his determination in making this come alive for the Student and his contacts at the Snozone, with special thanks to Michael for his time and energy coming in during his Annual leave to take the ski lesson and the rapport he developed with the student straight away. He will be the instructor for the whole course of lessons to give further confidence, trust and continuity.
Thank you to the Mintridge staff for enabling the day to run so smoothly as well!
If you are an individual that is interested in applying for funding from the Johnny Reynolds Foundation, follow the link below. Be it a new pair of rugby boots, a new tennis racket, a donation towards a sports tour or an experience, the trustees will carefully chose worthy recipients with the stipulation it must be appreciated and valued at the same high level of enthusiasm, pride and fun that Johnny would want the recipient to enjoy! Applications to come through teachers / sports coaches or instructors proposing suitable candidates with a 50 miles radius from Brigstock, Northamptonshire.
About Us:
The Mintridge Foundation is a UK-wide charity dedicated to turbo-boosting young people's development and opportunities through the transformative power of sports. Our innovative programs and collaborations inspire, mentor, and guide the next generation to thrive.
