Ciaran Muir – Managing Director.
I started UKMM with two main motivations. Primarily, as someone from a difficult background with a shortage of role models whilst growing up I have seen firsthand the impact that this can have in later life. This inspired me to set up UKMM in 2019, since when we have supported hundreds of young people from various backgrounds, achieving some incredible outcomes along the way. My secondary motivation was to create gainful employment opportunities for Armed forces veterans, as a veteran myself I had experienced as many do the difficulty of transitioning into civilian life. UKMM provides a great platform for service leavers to properly establish themselves professionally in the civilian world whilst still being in a supportive, understanding environment with like minded colleagues.
I mostly spend my spare time with my family, beyond this I like to spend as much time as possible outdoors, hill walking and mountain climbing, if I am not doing this then you will either find me in the gym or at the Etihad Stadium watching my beloved Manchester City.
I served in the British Army as a member of the 1st Bn Coldstream Guards
Luke Ashworth – General manager
I work for military mentors because I enjoy working with young people on figuring out their goals and then working with them to achieve them. Helping young people to engage within school and further education and help them realise their potential when they use the right core values and mindset.
I enjoy going hill walking/wild camping.
I served in the British Army for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers for 7 years.
Gabby Wale – KS2 instructor & Outreach mentor
I work for UKMM because I believe every young person should have some guidance and opportunity’s at succeeding in life. If I can make a difference to at least one life, then my job as a mentor is a success.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, swimming and being out in nature either on hikes or camping.
Having worked in the care industry in 2021 for elderly and vulnerable adults. To following my passion for fitness and qualified as a personal trainer in 2023
Charlotte Walton – Outreach mentor
I work for UKMM to make a difference to young people's lives, if I had someone to relate too at that age I think I would of got a lot more out of my education and school setting.
In my spare time I like to see pretty places, socialise with my daughter & friends and adventure hunt! The best weekends normally involve adrenaline and adventures!
My professional background comes from working in haulage. I have spent most of my adult life managing trucks & drivers all over the country.
Mark Yates – Tameside Outreach Team Leader
I want to help young people who come from deprived backgrounds achieve their goals in life. I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community working at UKMM helps me do this.
I enjoy playing golf with my friends and taking my family hiking.
I served in the British armed forces for 6yrs
Nicole McGuinness – R&R instructor / administrator & social media
I want to give other young people the opportunity that I got when I was younger, my mentor set me up to succeed in life. I want to give back and make a difference.
I believe no matter what your story is everyone deserves a chance to succeed in life.
in my spare time i enjoy photography and getting out and about outdoors when its sunny, i enjoy taking my dog Ellie for walks. I also enjoy doing nails and i am extremely passionate about this.
I served in the army for 5 and a half years.
Amy Burgess – outreach mentor
I’m passionate about helping young people grow, unlock their potential, and build self-confidence.
I enjoy football, both playing and watching, as well as live music and concerts.
I have years of experience in education, recently focusing on supporting SEMH students.
Elizabeth Howard – outreach mentor
I am passionate about helping young people set and achieve goals, i want to help them succeed.
in my spare time I enjoy hiking and travelling, I also enjoy live music.
I worked in barbershops from being 15 and went on to teach barbering at a barber college in New Zealand. since moving back to the UK, I have worked in education focusing on supporting SEND students through outdoor learning.
Matthew Cranfield / R&R instructor
I work for UKMM because the support and guidance we provide is something I wish I had access to when I was younger. Growing up, I found navigating mainstream education challenging and I understand first-hand how important it is for young people to have the right mentors around them. Being able to support young people today feels like a way of giving back to my younger self and helping others overcome barriers I once faced. I am passionate about helping young people recognise their potential, build confidence, develop positive skills, and stay engaged within mainstream education. Seeing them grow and providing them with the tools they need for their future is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, you’ll probably find me in the gym! Fitness has been a huge part of my life for many years, and I have worked as a Personal Trainer helping people achieve their own health and fitness goals. I also compete in bodybuilding, which is a major passion of mine and something that has taught me discipline, commitment, and resilience. When I’m not training, I enjoy spending time outdoors, usually exploring new hiking routes with my dog Nala (who keeps me on my toes!). I’m also a big animal lover and enjoy spending time with them whenever I can.
My professional background is built around supporting and developing people. I served in the Regular Army for four years before moving into the Army Reserves for a further three years, which helped me develop strong leadership, communication, and resilience skills. I have also gained valuable experience working within the children’s sector, including roles in residential care, supporting young people with different needs and challenges. Alongside this, I have built my own Personal Training and online coaching business, which I have successfully run for several years across different locations. My experiences across the military, children’s services, and fitness industry have shaped my approach to mentoring, focusing on building trust, confidence, and helping people reach their full potential.
Forever a part of the UKMM family, Rest in peace Mitchel-Sol Wale
1999 - 2026
I want to help young people understand that they have an important role in life.
Helping them understand the importance of discipline, hard work, respect and to motivate them in doing so.
In my spare time I like going to the gym, boxing, running and swimming.
I served in the British Army with the 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (1RRF). After my military service, I worked as a mentor for young people. I am currently an instructor and work with young people in care.

