Once Bitten

Description

An inspirational read that will take you to one of the last great frontiers, the mighty Mt McKinley, and an expedition that not only challenged a team of British Mountaineers both physically, mentally and morally, but a trip that nearly cost them their lives. This book takes you on a journey through life changing decisions, both on the Mountain, and on Nigel's long road to recovery after sustaining severe frostbite. Nigel's story was filmed as part of the 'Alive' series by Darlow Smithson Productions for Channel 4 / Discovery Channel.

Nigel Vardy is a record breaking Mountaineer, motivational speaker and author, who describes himself as '6"2, blue eyed and scarred. In 1999, he suffered severe frostbite whilst climbing on Mt McKinley in Alaska, leading to horrendous amputations of his fingers, toes and nose. Nigel says watching parts of his body die were some of the hardest days of his life. "Those tiny things suddenly became so important, especially when faced with the prospect of losing them." His niece remarked 'Uncle Nigel has feet like a teddy bear!' After three years recovering from his injuries, Nigel returned to high altitude and climbed Island Peak in Nepal. Since the he has climbed on almost every continent, bashed through miles of jungle and taken part in African relief expeditions. He has appeared on national and international TV and radio and written extensively about his experiences. Writing has helped his recovery and proved a source of inspiration for many people. Nigel has since also completed a British first. He climbed the highest peaks on the world's seven largest islands.

His steely determination to battle through the aftermath of what can only be described as an epic expedition, put his life back together and go on to enjoy such fantastic Adventures despite his disability is an inspiration to us all. -- Rob Edmonds - Mountain Spirit Once Bitten is not just another 'climber gets stuck on mountain but survives to tell the tale' book. The gripping accounts of the summit attempt, realisation that something is going horribly wrong and the rescue are all there, but the other half of the book is all about the journey Nigel has made since those events in 1999 - the other mountains he has climbed and his refusal to disappear into the crevasses of self pity and helplessness that appeared along the way. By sharing his experiences he provides food for thought and hopes he can help others. As he says dramatic events may mean expectations have to be moved but they don't have to be lowered. We should all remember that life is for living. -- Carolyn Budding - Terra Nova Equipment