Internationally renowned mountaineer, Nigel Vardy, has joined Buxton Mountain Rescue Team as an Associate Member to help with training, fundraising and operational support.

Nigel is a man of many talents; an international mountaineer, a motivational speaker, an author and a record breaking climber.  He describes himself as 6′ 2″, blue eyed and scarred.  Nigel has taken part in many climbs and adventures around the world.  However, it was in 1999 that he suffered severe frostbite whilst climbing on Mount McKinley in Alaska.  His injuries left him with horrendous amputations of his fingers, toes and nose.  Nigel says, “Watching parts of my body die were some of the hardest days of my life.   Those tiny things suddenly became so important, especially at the prospect of losing them”.  His niece says, ‘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 then, he has appeared on national and international TV and radio and has written extensively about his experiences.

When asked what was his first memorable experience in the mountains?  Nigel replied,  “First memorable experience was the Snowdon Railway coming off its rails..!  I think it was 1976 and the toothed cog failed on the way up.  The train had to apply the emergency brake and evacuate everyone whilst repairs were made.  I should have known that I would be a disaster from then on..!”

Nigel has been a supporter of  Mountain Rescue since his initial rescue from Mount McKinley.  Since then he has seen rescue teams working on U.K. hills or at special events and has wanted to get more closely involved for some time.

Mark Williams, a qualified Mountain Instructor and team member said, “Nigel will be a great asset to the team and we are fortunate that he has chosen to join Buxton MRT.  I know he has a lot to offer both in raising the team’s profile and practical advice.  He will be a bonus not just to Buxton team but to all the Peak District teams and probably further afield”.