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Chris Bonington

b. 1935

Born in London, Chris Bonington, 90, joined the army and became an Outward Bound instructor. In 1975, he led the first expedition to successfully climb Everest via its south-west face. Ten years later, he reached the summit himself. In 1996, he was knighted for services to mountaineering, and his many books include the memoir Ascent. He has two surviving children by his late wife and is married for the second time. He has been an ambassador for Berghaus for 40 years. He lives in Cumbria.

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Question What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I was a huge daydreamer and imagined myself as a successful general leading his troops into battle.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 March 2025 source ↗

Question How would you describe yourself in three words?

Resourceful, resilient and compassionate.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 March 2025 source ↗

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