I come from a line of self-motivated, determined folk - not grand, not high society, but no-nonsense, family-minded go-getters.

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 was christened Edward. My sister gave me the name Bear when I was a week old and it has stuck.

The special forces gave me the self-confidence to do some extraordinary things in my life. Climbing Everest then cemented my belief in myself.

I think viewers quite like it when I'm suffering or eating or drinking something horrible or really up against it in some quicksand or whatever.

The SAS Reserve tends to be made up of former paratroopers and commandos who still want a challenge, but it is open to civilians.

You only get one chance at life and you have to grab it boldly.