Helen Lafford
Operations Manager
Helen developed a taste for travel and adventure when she headed out to the Venezuela Amazon aged 21 to spend some time living and working amongst the indigenous population. Two years later it was time to find a serious job and she then spent several years working in the financial sector in London, taking every opportunity to travel whenever and wherever possible.
Realising that commuting wasn’t the right kind of travel, Helen and her husband set off to walk the GR11 in Spain and then spent the next 18 months travelling and trekking in Europe, South America and Australia before returning briefly to London and moving permanently to the French Pyrenees in 2004.
Helen is often the one that you will be chatting to once you have secured your place on an expedition giving you all the advice and guidance that you need, she’s sent her husband Ian, out on some of 360’s higher and snowier trips (Mera Peak, Elbrus and Aconcagua) having personally cycled and trekked a large proportion of the Pyrenees, climbed Kilimanjaro, trekked to Everest Base Camp and walked the Great Wall of China she is a great first port of call for all expedition related questions.
Interview
What was your first adventure?
Travelling to the Picos de Europa in Spain for a university caving club expedition.
What has been your most memorable adventure?
Definitely Kilimanjaro – I love the mountain, the people and the Tusker beer!
What item of travel kit you can't do without?
Passport, ticket and money! But I love my down jacket and mittens as I hate being cold
What three bits of advice would you give to people who are keen on adventures, trekking and climbing?
- Always wash your hands – gel will do in the absence of running water!
- However cute the puppy may be, its always best to play it safe.
- Never step backwards without checking where the edge is (learned from hard experience).
What is the best thing about your job?
Working with people who are all inspired and inspiring about getting out there and doing something life-changing.
Why did you choose to work for 360?
Marni told me it would be fun!