Tony's set to inspire next generation with talk

A former police officer will return to his school as he leads a lecture on how determination was the source of his success.
Former Royal Marine and police officer will return to his school English Martyrs to lead a talk.Former Royal Marine and police officer will return to his school English Martyrs to lead a talk.
Former Royal Marine and police officer will return to his school English Martyrs to lead a talk.

Tony Green, who joined English Martyrs in its first year, will appear as its guest as he delivers this year’s John Bell Lecture.

The talk, entitled Defiance in Adversity, will look at how he came through a difficult childhood and faced tough jobs to succeed.

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Tony signed up to the Royal Marines in 1980 before he spent 25 years with Cleveland Police, rising to the rank of inspector.

Tony’s talks touch on his experiences from when he served in the Falklands War with the Royal Marines. His eight years in the military also saw him spend time in Belfast.

In the police, he worked in CID as well as a range of other frontline roles, including a time as a traffic officer, when he cheated death in a crash.

His work also saw him collect a Local Forces Hero award in 2011.

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The 54-year-old, who lives in East Durham, now runs his own leadership and management business based in The Old Brewery, in Castle Eden, and is known as the Commercial Commando.

Thursday’s talk, which begins at 7pm, will be before an audience of students, parents and guests of the school and sixth form college.

“I want to inspire young people and show them that they can be a leader and they can make a difference,” said Mr Green.

“I’ve got lots of stories to tell from the frontline as a Royal Marine as well as my time in the police, where I witnessed almost everything life can throw at you.

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“No matter how dark a place can be, that can be the point before dawn. I hope they will understand that sometimes things are difficult, but you’ve got to face them.

“I want them to follow their dreams.”

Tony’s previous speaking engagements have seen him address students and sales teams.