Ant Middleton

When I left the military, I thought I would not have any problems with the transition - I'm very adaptable and very versatile - but I was wrong.

I joined the Marines, passed Special Forces selection, and became a young leader in the military.

When I was younger, if I got into arguments, I'd become aggressive and violent, but I learnt the hard way that was only going to end negatively.

I was point man, which meant I was the first through the door, hunting down Taliban commanders, knocking down forts every night.

I'm more about mind over muscle. My mindset needs to be the fittest, because it drags my body through whatever needs to be done. A lot of people neglect training their mind and their self-belief, but I believe that's crucial.

I had a tough childhood after my father died when I was five, and I had a very difficult stepfather. I want to give my children what I didn't have - a good role model.

It's asking that never-ending question, 'Who am I?' which motivates me and takes me on a constant journey of self-discovery that teaches me so much. Will Everest make me more cautious? In reality, probably not.

When you're in the military, you teeter on the edge of that line of life and death. The reason you feel so alive when you come through is because you know you've cheated death - and that and the adrenaline rush is addictive, no question.

Never, ever command respect. Always earn it. A leader steps into the arena, and a great leader should never ask anyone to do anything that they haven't done or they haven't experienced.

Followship is just as important as leadership. It's very important that you'll know if you're a great leader because you will have awesome followship. And the people behind you will take that burden of responsibility.

When you're challenged to the extreme, you learn so much about yourself. And when you're willing to give that ultimate sacrifice, when you're willing to tackle a job or a task or a mission head-on and give 100%, you can achieve amazing things because you're almost fearless.

I eat healthily as much as I can - meat, protein, carbs as well. I like my pasta; I like my rice. I like to have that sort of sustenance in me, because I'm always thinking of survival.

Whatever I turn my hand to, I put in the effort to be the best.

What's next? Let's do it! My life is chaotic and spontaneous, which is the way I like it.

I love dogs, but they are a big responsibility, and with four children, having one would be too much.

I hate it when people are late, and I hate being late.

I'm from a generation of Iraq and Afghanistan. Our battleground was where we learned. It's not like the old generation where they used to train and train and train, and then suddenly an operation would come up, and they'd go on it.

No trooper, no special forces operative wants to sit behind a desk. We joined up to kick some doors down.

I don't like to overthink. I tackle situations and problems head-on.

When I took on Everest, I'm not there for the views.