Alan
Hinkes OBE is the first Briton and 13th person
to climb the world's highest mountains. These are the 14
8000m peaks, all of which are in the 'death zone', where human
survival rate is measured in hours. They are the most
dangerous mountains on the planet. Alan is part of an
exclusive club of only 12 people alive who have achieved this
feat, which is the same number of people who have stood on the
moon. Many have perished attempting this challenge.
Alan began his mountaineering career whilst at Northallerton
Grammar School, North Yorkshire. He progressed to the Alps
with ascents of many difficult mountains, including the
notorious North Face of the Eiger, eventually graduating to
the Himalaya.
Alan formerly
worked with leading British outdoor company, Berghaus. He now writes regularly for magazines such as 'Trail' and lectures on
his exploits. He is an accomplished cameraman, photographer,
motivational speaker, environmentalist and mountain guide.
Alan was awarded the OBE in the 2006 New Year's Honours. He
is an Honorary Citizen of his home town, Northallerton;
Yorkshireman of the Year 2005; an Honorary Fellow of the
University of Sunderland; and has received the Outstanding
Achievement Award from the Royal Institute of Navigation and
the President’s Award for Outstanding Voluntary Contribution
to Water Aid. He is involved in charitable work for Water
Aid, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and
Outward Bound. He works closely with the British
Mountaineering Council.
Alan lives in North Yorkshire and enjoys being in the hills,
rock climbing and fellwalking. You will regularly see him in
the Lake District and Yorkshire tramping the fells and moors
or clinging to a rock face.
