One thing I know for sure: it is only by doing what we fear that we can ever truly learn to be brave.

A friend once asked me what qualities were needed for SAS. I would say to be self-motivated and resilient; to be calm, yet have the ability to smile when it is grim; to be unflappable, be able to react fast and to have an ‘improvise, adapt and overcome’ mentality.

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!

It breaks my heart that my father never knew my children. He should have been around for another 25 years.

Make a little time to be quiet by yourself every day and just be.

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

I have held healthy respects of bears along with assorted crocodiles, snakes and lots of other animals. You know, bears are dangerous, you have to be super careful.