Where do we begin to thank you for what was such an emotional, remarkable and humbling insight into what happened to you before, during and after your captivity in Iraq.
One cannot really find the appropriate words to describe our reactions and feelings or to praise you for your account of your story. We were all greatly moved by your experience and were overwhelmed by your strength of character, your courage (yes, your courage!) and your incredible fortitude and endurance. We all felt uniquely privileged to have heard your story told by you in person.
Thank you for sharing it with us with candour as well as great humour and for imparting a real sense amongst us that with the right degree of determination, will and focus, you can survive and overcome even the most dire situations and challenges. You are such an inspiration and role model for everyone.
As one small part of this nation, we thank you too for the immense burden you had to bear in representing us as a Member of our military forces at war
LACA Conference
Your presentation was one of the most moving and poignant I have ever heard.
One minute I wanted to cry my eyes out and the next minute you had me laughing out loud…. The feedback has been incredible. Twitter has gone mad. Thought provoking, empowering, inspirational are just a few of words people have used to describe yesterday’s event.
Anyone who has had the privilege of listening to you speak cannot be anything other than impressed by your attitude to life and your determination, courage and integrity. Yours is a gripping and extremely moving story. Everyone to whom I have spoken since your presentation has unreservedly said that it was excellent
Chief Constable West Mercia Constabulary
One of the main things that I took away that day was how important adapting to your surroundings was for you. 5 days after hearing your speech, I had a knock on my front door to be advised by the police that my Mum had died suddenly whilst driving home from work.
I know this sounds ridiculous, but with hindsight, I can’t help but think that your speech somehow helped to prepare me for what lied ahead.
I suppose I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your experience and advice, and for helping me to adapt to my new surroundings.
I can honestly say that never before have I known nearly everybody listening to an after dinner/lunch talk be so attentive, hanging on to every word, or so deeply moved by what they were hearing. Equally, I have never before been contacted afterwards by so many who have wanted to express their admiration for and gratitude to a speaker. Your talk was not only inspirational but enjoyable, and we all thought you judged it just right in respect of you theme, its length, and its balance with the more humorous bits.
I am left with the lasting impression of John Peters, who will remain in my memory as one of the most incredible & emotional speakers I have ever experienced the honour of hearing.
Walker User Group
Your ability to describe your ordeal was so clear: I felt that I was in the plane with you, in the desert with you and in the cell with you. I know I could never possible imagine, for real, what you went through and I sincerely hope no-one else ever has to endure that sort of treatment again.
National Sales Development Manager London & Manchester Ltd
Just to say finally how excellent John Peters was, an emotional yet fabulous speech. He was extremely inspirational – translating his experiences of war e.g. courage and linking this to the courage needed in leading and teaching. Thank you. John Peters’ presentation was incredible