Mt Everest

Raising the Bar…

by Nigel Vardy
July 10, 2021

Since the dawn of time, the older generations have guided and inspired the younger. Children have always looked up to their parents, guardians, teachers and role models and lived by the examples they set. Whether these exemplars are in the family, in education, sport, exploration, business or politics, we have never failed to follow them. This is why we, as elders, need to set the example and our generation holds a huge responsibility for future children. What we do or say can have far reaching effects. Let me explain…

by Nigel Vardy
September 16, 2019September 16, 2019
4 Comments

It’s been a while since I posted a blog. The loss of my Father has put many of life’s (so called) priorities into stark perspective. Caring for my Mother takes up much of my time, but with family support I still get out into the hills. I reflect more, stare more, say less and await the grieving to come. I’m a rather stoic old Englishman, with far too much stiff upper lip and not enough heart to easily let go – for now anyway. Real life has put the virtual world in its place, but it sometimes still intrudes…

by Nigel Vardy
August 13, 2015

20 years ago today, mountaineering lost one of its greats. Alison Hargreaves had summited Mt. Everest unaided and without oxygen, and was hoping to repeat this huge achievement on both K2 and Kanchenjunga. During the evening of 13th August 1995, a violent storm hit the summit of K2, killing Hargreaves and five others. Though never formally identified, she lies there to this day, buried under snow and ice. A few items of equipment were found, but nothing more. It is a tragic story, which has caused controversy to this day. That, however is for someone else to discuss…

Is modern communication destroying adventure..?

by Nigel Vardy
April 11, 2014

Here’s the TEDx Derby presentation I gave asking the question “Is modern communication is destroying adventure..?” Whats do you think..?

Working with the media part I – An overview…

by Nigel Vardy
April 30, 2013May 9, 2013

For almost 20 years I have worked with the press and media. Our relationship has been a happy one, with both sides benefitting – they have their story and I have free PR (and occasionally a bit of money too!) I’d like to share my experiences over a few blogs to help you work more effectively with the them…Read More »Working with the media part I – An overview…

George Lowe CNZM OBE – The last of ’53…

by Nigel Vardy
March 22, 2013March 23, 2013

It is with great sadness that the news of Georges death was announced. My thoughts go to his wife Mary and to all the family. The last of the John Hunt 1953 expedition has gone and with him a great mountaineering dynasty is over. I met George many times as we only lived a few miles apart in Derbyshire, and what I remember about him is a tall, quiet, unassuming gentleman, who never boasted about his adventures, but gladly shared them…

Is achieving a 1st really worth it..?

by Nigel Vardy
October 23, 2012October 23, 2012
1 Comment

In 2007 I became the first British climber to summit the tallest peaks on the worlds largest islands. ‘Whoopee doo’ I hear you say. This is exactly why I ask the question for the achievement of a 1st. Are they worth it, or just media stunts for people with nothing better to do?

Defining danger…

by Nigel Vardy
September 30, 2012September 30, 2012
1 Comment

The Oxford English Dictionary defines danger as ‘the possibility of suffering harm or injury’. Well, that can mean many things…

Kendal, but without the Mintcake…

by Nigel Vardy
November 21, 2011December 3, 2011
2 Comments

The Kendal Mountain Festival is the highlight of the climbing calendar in the UK, but for me it wasn’t always that way. I had visited the festival years back and even had my Discovery Channel documentary “Nightmare at 20,000ft” premiered there, but I always felt a little lost. Was it because I was on my own? Or the fact that I didn’t know a soul? Who knows, but it all changed one day on the Hornli Ridge.

Where did I put that Camera..?

by Nigel Vardy
October 27, 2011October 27, 2011
3 Comments

As a professional speaker I find it difficult not to criticise others on stage about this or that. Is their layout good? Are their images of high quality? Can the presenter speak well and engage their audience? This was an evening where I had nothing to worry about. Julie Summers presented ‘Everest needs you Mr. Irvine’ at Derby Guildhall and stunned us all with her incredible knowledge, depth of research, wonderful pictures and heartfelt passion about her Great Uncle, Sandy Irvine.