Toby Gutteridge's Never Will I Die

Toby Gutteridge had a difficult and destructive childhood before leaving South Africa at the age of 19 to join the Royal Marines, with whom he completed a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan as part of 40 Commando.

He returned to Afghanistan, and was mentioned in despatches in recognition of his gallantry. In November 2009, two weeks after being wounded in a full frontal assault on a Taliban stronghold, while heavily outnumbered, he was shot through the neck, surviving despite not breathing for at least 20 minutes.

Induced into a coma in Afghanistan, and transported to the UK, doctors recommended that his life support machine be switched off, but with the defiance that defined his recovery, Toby overcame overwhelming odds. Quadriplegic, capable of movement only with his head, he has conquered profound physical and mental challenges to rebuild his life.

At his lowest ebb, in a psychiatric unit in Southampton following neglect by a series of inadequate care teams, he was determined to return to formal education on his release. He earned a first class honours degree in business studies at Bournemouth University, and now runs his company Bravery, an extreme sports brand that supports children in poverty.

Toby’s story is an extraordinary evocation of the power of the human spirit. His case has been used to create legislation, promoting the cause of veterans’ welfare.

Toby’s life story provides a compelling portrait of the type of person produced by the Royal Marines. It does not shy away from harsh questions, in exploring what extreme experiences teach us about the human condition. Its authenticity, as an account of life triumphing over death, is inspirational.

This is not the usual breathless account of battle, though the sacrifice of comrades is highlighted. It aims to support and empower those who have endured life-changing setbacks. Toby’s example, in summoning courage, strength and resilience to deal with constant pain and recurring depression, is memorable, and more valuable than ever.

His message is vivid and convincing: “Keep close to those who are close to you. They don’t see the injury. They are with you, regardless. That is special and powerful. Don’t worry about what other people think of you. Take moral courage. Trust yourself. Believe in yourself. Listen to what your heart is telling you. If you follow your heart, you will not go far wrong.”

Tell us about Bravery

Starting Bravery is a symbol of waking up each day, choosing courage, and building your dreams no matter what adversity you face.

At our core, we champion Bravery as more than just a virtue—it's the very essence that defines our apparel brand. We aim to empower individuals to embrace challenges, pursue their ambitions, and face adversity with unwavering courage. Bravery H.Q is our coffee shop and apparel store where we offer fuel for the brave, one cup and one outfit at a time.

Bravery is not just a message; it's a way of life. Find us in Poole, Dorset for delicious food, incredible apparel. Bravery H.Q is also our events venue where we will be filming our Bravery Podcast and hosting events that will stir up your inner courage.

At Bravery our mission is to empower individuals to have grit. We believe that clothing should be more than just fabric; it should be a symbol of self-expression.

We source sustainable materials and prioritize ethical practices in our production process, ensuring that our products align with our values of responsibility and integrity. Bravery produces superior quality, eco-friendly, modern clothing that respects people and the planet. We aim to make all our products 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled materials such as recycled polyester and modal.

The Bravery brand serves as a reminder that bravery is not the absence of hardship but the resilience to face adversity and rise back up after getting knocked down by life.

Tell us about the book: ‘Never will I die’

Writing the book was a difficult decision and one that took several years before I committed to it. On deciding to write the book I had to return to some very difficult places and I wanted it to be relatable to many people. I didn’t want it to be a typical war story but a story that may inspire or motivate people going through their own difficulties. You can find out more here: https://bravery.co.uk/pages/toby-gutteridge-never-will-i-die

Any plans for 2024?

Having opened our new HQ in 2023 we will be continuing to establish the building and what we offer in 2024.

Tell us about your favourite place to eat in Dorset

My favourite place after the Bravery Cafe is a good traditional English pub.