Dr Barry McKennaBEng(Hons) MBBS DFFP DRCOG MRCGP

Barry’s Story

I left Northern Ireland at 18 yrs of age to study engineering at Uni sponsored by the Military. Unfortunately following a few months in hospital paralysed by a condition called Guillain Barre Syndrome, I went the Headley Court, the Defence Services Medical Rehabilitation Unit. Here I learned the importance of fitness, my need for adventure and that physical exercise can be therapeutic. I continued with my studies and spent some time in the army. After leaving the army, I worked for British Aerospace but took voluntary redundancy after a few years to go to medical school in London and study to be a doctor. Since qualifying, I have spent 24 years in emergency medicine and General Practice but am now a full time GP in Devon.

As well as recognising the relevance of physical exercise in functional recovery, I also co founded a Mental Health charity 16 yrs ago. This unique service provides direct access psychotherapy and EMDR for PTSD for our patients.

I have some experience of kayaking having completed a few Devizes to Westminster canoe marathons so I hope to support the team on a medical, psychological and practical capacity.