With practice and focus, you can extend yourself far more than you ever believed possible.

It was wrong if there was a man suffering altitude problems and was huddled under a rock, just to lift your hat, say 'good morning' and pass on by, he said. Human life is far more important than just getting to the top of a mountain.

Everest you won't change, but I will get better...I will conquer you.

I always, I would say, make sure that in my presentation I'll have what I want to do. I try and make it so interesting to my companions that they want to go, too. I don't have to twist any arms or make - you know - any great challenges available.

Strong motivation is the most important factor in getting you to the top

As a youngster I was a great dreamer, reading many books of adventure and walking lonely miles with my head in the clouds.

It's not the moutain we conquer but ourselves.