The hardest thing about my job isn't the snake bites or the crocodiles, it's being away from my children. I have a really religious satellite phone call every day back to the boys, wherever we are, whatever time zone, to say goodnight.

I've never really had a TV career. I've been a soldier and a climber.

The greatest journeys all start with a single step.

Being brave isn't the absence of fear. Being brave is having that fear but finding a way through it.

A man's pride can be his downfall, and he needs to learn when to turn to others for support and guidance.

I loved climbing because of the freedom, and having time and space. I remember coming off Everest for the last time, thinking of Dad and wishing that he could have seen what I saw. He would have loved it.

I don't like expeditions where it is a total lottery whether you live or die. You have to keep those sort of good luck cards for rare occasions!