Passionate about empowering people through outdoor experiences in a supportive, caring and inclusive manner, Getaway Trekking’s Senior Trek Leader, Wayne Fitcher is responsible for strategic direction, including new product and market development, sales and finance.

What is your greatest source of enjoyment in your job?

Helping people who don’t believe in themselves. I especially love working with students, you can have a lot of fun with them and they are really open to new experiences. Watching them build relationships with each other and our PNG crew is so special.

Can you tell us about the most memorable moment of your career?

Too many to say. My first trek as a leader when I thought I’d have to evacuate my wife who hurt her knee. My first school group – Haileybury – who showed me how to look at a trek I’d done many times with different eyes. Working with Kokoda Youth Foundation and kids who’ve sometimes had a pretty difficult time. Celebrating my 60th in a rural village in PNG with a traditional welcome. All amazing.

Is there a customer or trek that really stands out?

The kids and teachers from Cherrybrook Technology High School on our Kokoda trek. Not a bad egg in the bunch, just laughed so much my stomach muscles hurt more than my legs! The Wainright Way in England, a Coast to Coast trek staying in pubs along the way.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

Riding my bike, competing in our Getaway Trekking 70.3 team, projects at home, spending time with family.

Tell us something surprising about yourself.

I used to waterski a lot and loved to teach people. I was involved with Big Brother Big Sister and every year got a group of mates with boats together to take the kids out on the water. I’ve been married three times, to three women called Sue.