NITE MAVERICK - GARETH DE LA TORRE
Amateur Athlete, Author & Charity Fundraiser
MAVERICK SPIRIT
At NITE Watches, we often cross paths with people whose stories stop us in our tracks. When Gareth de la Torre first got in touch, he was looking for support with his London Marathon charity run. We dropped him an email straight away and we had a quick chat over the phone. Not long after, a copy of his book, What the Ruck Just Happened, was shared around the office and read cover to cover. The book sealed it. Gareth had the Maverick spirit that we’re all about at NITE, and we decided we would help him.
Gareth joined us on the “It’s Going to Get Hairy” charity hike - 32 miles along the Dorset Coastal Path, with over 6,000 feet of climbing. Watching Gareth tackle that route, despite everything he’s up against with epilepsy and age, was nothing short of inspiring.
A force of nature
Gareth isn’t just an amateur athlete - he’s a force of nature. After a catastrophic head injury in 2018, he rebuilt his life from the ground up. But that wasn’t the end of his challenges. In 2023, Gareth lost 70% of his hearing due to nerve damage following a seizure. The reality is, he had to start from scratch again - this time enrolling in night school to learn sign language. As Gareth puts it, “I am not defined by my disabilities, but by the strength with which I rise above them.” Running, rucking, climbing - he’s taken on some of the UK’s toughest endurance events, including the TCS London Marathon in military kit boots and a 40lb pack, and the notorious Fan Dance Trinity SAS selection course. Recently, Gareth finished the PARA’s 10-miler, placing 19th in his age group and 109th out of 395 overall. Gareth has done all this while openly sharing his journey with epilepsy and recovery. What we’ve found through our testing is that resilience isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life.
What’s even more impressive is that Gareth isn’t slowing down. Right now, he’s deep in training for his fourth London Marathon next April, once again planning to take it on in full military kit and pack. This time, he’ll be raising funds for the Royal Marines Charity, supporting veterans and serving Royal Marines. Every event, every training session, is another chapter in his story of resilience.
If you want the full, unfiltered story, Gareth’s book, What the Ruck Just Happened, is a raw, honest account of transformation. It’s part memoir, part call to arms for anyone facing their own battles.
WHAT's next?
Now that Gareth is part of the Maverick community, we’re just getting started. There are more challenges ahead, more charity events on the horizon, and, most importantly, more opportunities for Mavericks to come together, share their stories, and push each other further.
Gareth will be teaming up with other Mavericks for upcoming endurance events, community fundraisers, and adventures that test both body and mind. His relentless drive and ongoing training are a perfect fit for what this community stands for.
As Worn By GARETH
Gareth, like all NITE Mavericks, relies on equipment that can withstand the toughest conditions while maintaining top performance. His NITE HAWK Polar is the perfect balance of durability and style, trusted to keep up with his demanding lifestyle.
This is a watch engineered to withstand the toughest operations, designed for those who push beyond the limits. Whether you're on the ground or deep in the action, the HAWK delivers unwavering performance, proven through passion, trusted by those who serve.
