How you speak about others speaks loudest about yourself.

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.

Life doesn't reward the naturally clever or strong but those who can learn to fight and work hard and never quit.

I learnt another valuable lesson that night: listen to the quiet voice inside. Intuition is the noise of the mind.

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

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

I miss him still today: his long, whiskery eyebrows, his huge hands and hugs, his warmth, his prayers, his stories, but above all his shining example of how to live and how to die.