Compassion, resourcefulness and resilience form a rounded good person. So that’s what I’d like to leave my children and grandchildren.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 March 2025 source ↗
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CB
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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There are so many instances when I’ve come very close to death that it’s difficult to pick one.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 March 2025 source ↗
Whenever things seem absolutely terrible, to see that you’re alive and that’s all that matters.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 March 2025 source ↗
When I was climbing I was absolutely happy. I can use a climbing wall, but that’s not the same as real climbing.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 March 2025 source ↗
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