Co-founder of Suffolk activity park Go Ape delighted as he is made MBE

The co-founder of Suffolk-based activity park firm Go Ape said he is motivated to help people “live life more adventurously” as he celebrates being made an MBE.

Tristram Mayhew, a former Army captain, was included in the King's Birthday Honours for his services to young people and youth empowerment.

Mr Mayhew and his wife Rebecca set up the first Go Ape site in Thetford Forest near Brandon in west Suffolk in 2002 and the company is now based outside Bury St Edmunds.

Go Ape has since expanded across the country, having outdoor parks in 37 locations.

It became an employee-owned company in 2022, meaning its 1,000-strong staff are co-owners of the business and share in any surplus profit it generates.

Tristram and Rebecca Mayhew (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Mayhew said news of the MBE was “unexpected and flattering”, and credited the honour to his position on the board of the National Citizen Service.

He served as a tank and infantry commander in the British Army’s Royal Dragoon Guards, retiring as a captain at the age of 29.

Mr Mayhew said: "Go Ape is about trying to create adventures and encourage people to live life more adventurously."

He said his MBE is a reflection of the people who do voluntary and community work, as they “put years and years on the front line, and don’t get the recognition”.