Chris Bonington, a renowned mountaineer born in London, has had an illustrious career marked by his successful ascent of Everest's south-west face in 1975. He was knighted in 1996 for his contributions to mountaineering and has authored several books, including his memoir 'Ascent'. Beyond his climbing achievements, Bonington shares personal reflections, discussing his profound happiness found in climbing, the sorrow from the loss of his first son, and the joy of finding love again in his later years. Now residing in Cumbria, he continues to be affiliated with Berghaus, an outdoor gear company, as an ambassador.
What makes you unhappy? Loss. My first son Conrad died in an accident at two and a half and you never get over it.
I finally got there in 1985. I'd led a lot of complex expeditions there and, if you're leading, your job is not to get yourself to the top.
It is wonderful in the autumn of your life to find another absolute love. My greatest love of my life are my wives, Wendy and Loreto.
When I was climbing I was absolutely happy. I can use a climbing wall, but that's not the same as real climbing.
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