Bourne Abbey Church of England Primary Academy
Striving For Excellence, Caring For All In a Loving And Caring Christian Environment.
When Year 3 Met Mountaineer Nigel Vardy!
‘ Be the best that you can be!’
We are so privileged to have had the opportunity to meet an extraordinary mountaineer named Nigel Vardy. He gave us first hand experience of his journey to Mount McKinley almost 25 years ago, one of the toughest climbs in the world. We were shocked and inspired by his life-changing journey. A journey that resulted in him almost losing his life and leaving him with life-altering frostbite injuries. But a positive mindset at all times.
He taught us the importance of researching several sources when learning new information. We learnt that time was essential when exploring the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable and trust in others is crucial. We giggled as he told us about waste being disposed of correctly because of course you don’t want to drink yellow snow. We wondered what food we could eat on the mountains, chocolate would be good but it could break our teeth in –30 degrees. When mountaineering you are ‘absolutely reliant on each other.’ Nigel and his team persevered as they choose a remote path. He taught us how important it is to make our own decisions, to be courageous and that mistakes need to happen for us to learn.
At almost 20,000 feet an unpredictable storm occurred which caused severe injuries. ‘God helps those who help themselves,’ a motto that Nigel lives by and encouraged him to make instant decisions. Minus 60 degree winds surrounded them and the only way to protect themselves was to dig holes at an incredible rate. Sheltered from the wind, they felt safe but only for moments. He showed us an almighty radio that they use in crisis as phones need signals. A beacon can be fired when you are in danger and are used today but Nigel did not have one of these during this expedition. This left them exposed to serious danger and uncertainty of any help being on it’s way. Nigel’s health deteriorated, with a swollen face and eyes forced close he repeatedly lost consciousness. ‘A ghost of frostbite,’ overcame him. His friend Steve ‘took the bravest decision,’ and showed true empathy when he chose to go and search for help. Unbeknown to Nigel and Anthony, help was already enroute. In Steve’s attempt to find help he suffered horrendous injuries.
‘Don’t get left out in the cold. Be the person who wants to know more. Be the person to ask questions.’ Nigel showed us his expedition diary that he wrote in every day on his Mt McKinley adventure. He went on to explain the importance of writing a diary and informed us that he had a whole suitcase full of diaries since he has written everyday since he was a child. Such an inspirational man who continued to challenge himself when at his lowest. Whilst laid in hospital he said ‘ I will climb again.’ He turned his ideas into reality. He will return to Alaska this year to document his expedition and more importantly to thank all of the people who helped him recover. We can not wait to watch this. So inspired and captivated by these words we presented Nigel with an Agents of Change badge and certificate for himself as well as his mountaineer partners.
His final message was to ‘be the best that you can be.’ A message that we share as part of our school ethos and will continue to help us thrive in our new learning this term.
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