To get ready to climb Everest, I did a lot of hill running with a daypack on and a lot of underwater swimming. I would swim a couple of lengths underwater and then a couple above. It gets your body going with limited oxygen.

And if you give your heart to a goal, it will repay you. It's the law of the universe.

All worthwhile journeys have big obstacles. It's the way of the world. The rewards go to those who can push through those trying moments and still manage to keep a smile on their face.

I love making healthy lean foods delicious - that's an art!

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

I said no to the Born Survivor producer three times because I've never aspired to be a TV man.

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