My early climbs fuelled my appetite for the mountains, and shortly after starting at Bristol University I embarked on trying to organise my first proper climbing expedition.  Two years later and enough sponsorship had been raised to pay for six weeks in the Andes, during which time we climbed six big peaks in Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru. 

The expedition taught me a great deal about myself – how strong my body was and how it responded when pushed to the limits, how I coped with the altitude and how I reacted during times of extreme pressure. 

My climbing skills improved markedly and I forged strong friendships with like-minded people who craved the freedom that the great outdoors provided.  The flame of adventure had been kindled within us all and we vowed to return to the mountains again.