Resilience
The Ultimate Anchor.
Regrow is built on the belief that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about growing stronger, no matter what life throws at you. After facing my own challenges, I knew there had to be a better way to rebuild, re-imagine, and regrow.
It’s a common misconception that resilience is something you’re born with, but in reality, it’s something you develop. Through the right mindset, actions, and support, anyone can build the strength to overcome adversity.
Don't Just Exist.
AS FEATURED ON
Our
Story.
Robert Forkan’s journey wasn’t just about survival, it was about reinvention. Orphaned as a teenager in a devastating tsunami, he learned early on that life doesn’t wait for you to recover; you have to fight to rebuild. That resilience led him to create Gandys, a brand that turned tragedy into purpose, helping thousands of underprivileged children worldwide.But resilience isn’t a one-time act, it’s a lifelong commitment. More recently,
Robert faced another fight, this time against sepsis, a brutal health battle that forced him to dig deep and return to the lessons of his unique upbringing. Just like when he was a teenager navigating the world alone, he had to push through adversity, adapt, and find strength in the struggle.Regrow was born from that same fire: a brand built for those who refuse to let setbacks define them. It’s about standing up, pushing forward, and growing stronger with every challenge.Regrow isn’t just a company, it’s a mindset. It’s for the risk-takers, the comeback kings and queens, the ones who know that every fall is just another chance to rise.Whether you’re looking to rebuild personally or bring resilience into your business, get in touch.
25 Years of Challenges, Resilience & Steps Forward
2015-2017
A New Path to Learning
Rob and his siblings faced challenges with ADHD and dyslexia, which made traditional education difficult. Their parents sold everything, packed their lives into backpacks, and embarked on a journey to explore the world as a new way of learning. This decision planted the seeds of resilience and adaptability in Rob.
2011-2014
Facing Adversity: Boxing Day Tsunami
The Boxing Day tsunami devastated Sri Lanka, claiming the lives of Rob’s parents and leaving him and his siblings orphaned. This traumatic event became a defining moment, forcing Rob to confront unimaginable loss and uncertainty about the future.
2007-2010
Defying Hardship: Hitchhiking Across a Third-World Country
Determined to take control of his life, Rob hitchhiked across a third-world country with his siblings. This bold decision showcased his defiance in the face of adversity and his commitment to forging his own path.
2007-2010
Building a Foundation: First Job at CV Library
With just one GCSE and an NVQ in Sport Science, Rob became the first employee of CV Library. His contributions helped grow the business to over £23 million, proving that resilience and determination could overcome limited formal education.
2007-2010
Finding Purpose: The Birth of Gandys
Rob founded Gandys in memory of his parents, turning his trauma into purpose. The mission: to build kids’ campuses worldwide, starting in Sri Lanka. He set an ambitious goal to sell 230,000 pairs of flip-flops—one for every life lost in the tsunami—symbolizing hope and resilience.
2007-2010
Recognition and Growth
Rob was recognized as a young leader by Her Majesty the Queen. Gandys collaborated with Liberty of London, selling over 350,000 pairs of flip-flops in two years. The first kids’ campus was completed in time for the 10th anniversary of the tsunami. Rob also authored Tsunami Kids, sharing his story of survival and resilience.
2012
Finding Purpose: The Birth of Gandys
Rob founded Gandys in memory of his parents, turning his trauma into purpose. The mission: to build kids’ campuses worldwide, starting in Sri Lanka. He set an ambitious goal to sell 230,000 pairs of flip-flops—one for every life lost in the tsunami, giving symbolism for hope and resilience.
2021
Global Impact and Community Building
Gandys partnered with iconic brands like the Rolling Stones, McLaren, and cultural institutions like the Saatchi Gallery and V&A Museum. Rob received support from global leaders, including Prince William, and grew the ‘Don’t Just Exist’ community to over 250,000 people worldwide.
2023
Surviving Sepsis & Embracing New Challenges
Rob faced another life-threatening challenge: surviving sepsis twice. The physical and mental toll included an amputation and infertility. Yet, even in recovery, Rob sought to find purpose in his trauma, embodying the resilience he advocates.
2024
Regrow: Helping Others Grow Through Adversity
The Gandys Foundation built its 10th kids’ campus in Sri Lanka, marking the 20th anniversary of the tsunami. Rob launched Regrow, a platform to help others navigate trauma and adversity through proven methods of resilience and mental well-being. Regrow empowers individuals to face life’s challenges and emerge stronger, better, and happier.
