THE first British mountaineer to scale 14 of the world's highest mountains and the first Briton to ride a motorbike on all seven of the world's continents were guests-of-honour at Giggleswick School to mark the opening of its new climbing wall.

Mountaineer Alan Hinkes and motorcyclist and climber Gordon Browning, whose daughter attends the school, both told pupils staff and guests of their experiences as record-breakers.

Mr Hinkes gave a talk about his climbing career, conquering Everest as well as 14 of the highest mountains in the world over 8000 metres high. He said that climbing teaches you to “never get complacent in life” and praised the school for enabling climbing to take place all year round.

Mr Browning, a major donor to the project, said: "Mountaineering has been a passion all of my life and has provided me with valuable lessons that I’ve used throughout my life and my career. Climbing teaches you that if you put in the effort and hard work, you can achieve things that you didn’t think possible at first."

Giggleswick headteacher Mark Turnbull thanked the pair and Giggleswick School Parent Association, which had raised funds extensively for the wall.

He said: "The school recognises the benefits of an education that provides breadth, building character and resilience through activities such as climbing. It is fantastic how popular the wall has already been in the short time since installation. We hope to run sessions for primary schools and community groups in the near future."

Alan Hinkes OBE, the first Briton to climb fourteen of the world’s highest mountains, and Gordon Browning, the first Briton to have ridden a motorcycle on all seven continents, were at Giggleswick School this week for the opening of their new indoor climbing wall, three years before climbing will make its debut at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The famous mountaineer and Mr Browning, both based in North Yorkshire, led the proceedings with Sarah Crombie, Chair of the Parents Association, in an event that brought together current pupils and climbing enthusiasts, staff, alumni (or Old Giggleswickians as they are known), and members of the local community. They were joined by Headmaster, Mark Turnbull, who introduced the record-breaking guests, and Head of Outdoor Pursuits at the School, Chris Wright.

Gordon Browning, who has a daughter at the school and who was climbing on the day, was a major donor to the climbing wall, explaining

I couldn’t think of a better project to support. Mountaineering has been a passion all of my life and has provided me with valuable lessons that I’ve used throughout my life and my career. Climbing teaches you that if you put in the effort and hard work, you can achieve things that you didn’t think possible at first and look back and say “I did that”.

Alan Hinkes OBE also gave a fascinating talk about his climbing career, conquering Everest among fourteen of the highest mountains in the world over 8000m high. He explained that climbing teaches you to “never get complacent in life” and praised the School for enabling climbing to take place all year round by fundraising for the wall.

The Headmaster, Mark Turnbull, thanked Mr Browning for his contribution to the wall, along with the Giggleswick School Parent Association who fundraised extensively. He said

The School recognises the benefits of an education that provides breath; building character and resilience through activities such as climbing. It is fantastic how popular the wall has already been in the short time since installation.

The wall is suitable for new and experienced climbers, as well as performance climbing athletes, ensuring a sustainable progression route for all levels of ability. The School hopes to run sessions for primary schools and community groups in the near future.

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Attachments: Pupils Frankie Browning and Toby Smith with Sarah Crombie from the Parents Association, Alan Hinkes OBE and Gordon Browning in front of the new climbing wall. Please credit B.P.M Harris Photography