Charles Holmes

Charles co-founded React First with Jennifer Pugh in 2007 and was formerly a Director and Head of Training. Now retired from day-to-day involvement with the company, he remains associated with React First as a consultant.

Charles graduated from King’s College London with a BA (Hons) in War Studies and Philosophy. He subsequently studied Paramedic Science at the University of Hertfordshire and with the London Ambulance Service, alongside further study in human biology, health and pre-hospital emergency care.

Through React First, Charles specialised in first-aid and trauma training, working extensively overseas, particularly across Africa and in remote and challenging environments. His work included training for international NGOs such as CAFOD and Christian Aid, and took him to numerous countries, including South Sudan, Tajikistan and the DRC.

Sport has also been a significant part of his life. Charles represented Great Britain in rowing, finishing fourth in the eight at the 1987 Junior World Rowing Championships and fourth in the men’s heavyweight single sculls at the 1991 Under-23 World Rowing Championships in Sicily. In 1991, he also reached the semi-finals of the Diamond Challenge Sculls at Henley Royal Regatta. He has also sailed several thousand miles offshore, including from the Seychelles to the Mediterranean.

Now retired, Charles and his wife Claire spend substantial periods in Belgrade and continue to travel extensively throughout Europe. They are frequently accompanied by Ralphie, their ageing Cavapoo, whose travel requirements mean that many of their journeys across Europe are necessarily made overland.