Second Time

In the summer of 2008, Ben and his partner Nicola took a year out to go travelling - the second time they had done this. Their journey took them to Italy, Greece, Turkey and India - where  Ben proposed to Nicola.  The adventure finished with a spell in the Alps working as ski instructors.  Read Ben and Nicola’s  Year Out - Take 2 blog.

Celebration Time

In May 2009 Ben and Nicola returned to Scotland. They were married in the intimate surroundings of Newbattle Abbey College, Dalkeith,  witnessed by eighty friends and relatives.  The evening reception took place in the Newtongrange Mining Museum where the photo on the right was taken.

First Time

Ben Simmister grew up on the Isle of Skye. He has always been interested in fitness through active involvement in the game of Shinty

Wanting to push himself to the limits of physical and mental endurance, Ben took part in the 2007 Marathon des Sables, the toughest footrace on Earth. Find out all about Ben’s experiences here.