Rob Gauntlett Killed Climbing in the Alps

StuartDH · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 02:07 PM

I've just read the terrible news that Rob Gauntlett has been killed while climbing in the French Alps. In case you're wondering 'Who is Rob Gauntlett?'...

2002 - age 15, he cycled Lands End to John O'Groats
2006 - aged 19, he became the youngest person to summit Everest!
2007/08 - aged 21, using only natural power (walking, skiing, cycling, sailing etc) he travelled 26,000 miles from the North Pole to the South Pole!

I've been hugely inspired by Rob's adventures, and can only imagine the incredible effort required to accomplish his expeditions. In a time of Gortex and other outdoor technology, one in fifty people still die trying to summit Everest. To go on and travel the equivalent of 1,000 marathons pole to pole, at such a young age, is simply incredible.

I recently looked to see if Rob had received a Knighthood in the New Year Honours List, but it looks like he wasn't chosen to join the olympic sportsmen, civil servants, actors and pop stars.

These adventurers are our modern day Hillary and Shackleton, and yet I imagine that most kids have never heard of them.

I think it'd be a great shame if our Health and Safety culture were to consider Rob's death as a reason not to take such risks. The accident shortened his life, but the measure of a great life should never be counted in years.

Here's hoping that both kids and adults will be inspired by his adventures for years to come

Stu

buzfuz8149 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 02:18 PM

Well put Stuart, a lovely tribute to an outstanding young man.

Carol.

Quote
"I think it'd be great shame if our Health and Safety culture were to consider Rob's death as a reason not to take such risks. The accident shortened his life, but the measure of a great life should never be counted in years. "

Vectisbirder · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 03:50 PM

I think Rob packed more into 21 years than a lot of people pack into entire lifetimes.

PMG · #4 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 05:05 PM

Well that is a shame........ some folks tho do die as they live - in some cases fast and young - but just think what he packed into his short life - now that is living - thats not just mere existance or even boring working for a living - which beats not working for a living - but is still mundane - what this young man did should as Stu says be recognised and honoured and held up for young hopefuls to follow .........

Pauline