UKC

In reply to UKC Articles:

Probably the most thought provoking article I've read on UKC and a great insight.

Cheers

In reply to UKC Articles:
Fantastic article! I had the rare opportunity to share rope with Tom a couple times, he's a sound guy and really talented climber. Jim and Tom's set up is certainly unorthodox, but it seems to work for them and they are both really nice chaps. I was very impressed by Tom's talent and was surprised that no one knew about it. I'm glad that finally he's come out and made his achievements public as I really enjoy reading about true adventures like that and people trying to live a different style of life. best luck Tom!

In reply to UKC Articles:

Utterly brilliant. The best thing ever on here. Congratulations to all involved.

Mick

In reply to UKC Articles:

Superb article, really enjoyed that. Liking the new format as well, really brings the photos to life.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Fascinating to watch/read, and whilst on the one occasion I felt that the voice-over was too much, on others I was blown away by how impactful it was (such as the letter reading).

As a young climber of a similar age to Tom, to see such achievements inspires me, and leaves me with for more questions than answers. I hope we hear more from Tom and more articles in this style

In reply to UKC Articles:

A stunning, moving editorial of sensitvity, depth, and ambition. well done, Jack

In reply to UKC Articles:

A great article! Quite a tale. I remember clearly the sniping that occurred when his mum died. In this Tom's character comes through - though it almost feels like an intrusion. He has such a thoroughly understated approach to what he is doing, which is quite something. I hope he handles the subsequent attention he's going to get with the same aplomb he dispatches the routes.

While financial rewards don't seem to feature, it would be nice to think he and his dad might not be living out of a van and tent for too much longer. (Though they seem quite content.)

Good luck to them both,

And well done Jack and Nick.

Regards,

Steve

In reply to UKC Articles:

Fantastic 'feature'. Really interesting look at someone I'm sure we will hear more of in the future.

I'm sure it took a lot of work - thank you.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Great article .

I remember Tom well from our trip to Everest in October 1994 when he walked in to base camp with Alison , Jim and his sister, Katie . Whilst Katie was carried some of the way , Tom ( age 5 ) walked all the way to base camp and spent 7 weeks at base camp being looked after by Jim.

Ours was a medical expedition and a paediatrician commented the oft used phrase " show me the boy at 7 and I'll show you the man " meaning characteristics are formed early in life . Tom , as a child , was tough , resilient , hardy and good fun and I never heard him complain of BC life .

Charlie Hornsby and I spent a lot of time high on Everest with Alison as our expeditions co-existed though ours was Sherpa supported and Alison was solo/ independent . We shared tents on the south col on the night October 10th when Alison recognised conditions weren't suitable for an O2 free ascent . Charlie and I sumitted on the 11th with Sherpas , Dawa and Dorje and returned to meet Alison on the south col . Despite her own lack of success she was happy for us , helped us recover ,seemed to be in good physical shape but descended to BC next day with us as weather deteriorating .

The only negative comments came from Jim who seemed acutely aware of the implications of Alison's lack of success . To be fair , Jim had spent 2 months supporting the family unit and keeping Tom and Katie busy and stimulated at BC .

My lasting impression of Alison is off a passionate driven climber but at the same time a caring mother who never seemed to have reconciled that balance .

Of Tom - a kid with a bundle of energy and a lot of "go " - given the close family relationship I am not surprised at the area he has chosen to channel it .

In reply to UKC Articles:

Nice job, thanks for making the effort to put this together. Good to see the use of a new format, and one that suits the subject. I didn't realise the Slater images even existed.

I remember the hype and commentary at the time, 1993-95, issues that have never really been resolved - mothers climbing, control, sexism, ambition, media, risk.

I was in Pakistan in '95 and remember clear as day some British climbers telling me the news. I also recall not being entirely surprised, as terrible as that is.

I wish only the best for Tom on his own journey.

In reply to UKC Articles:

A superb article so congrats to Jack and Nick for putting it together and maa-hoosive respect + congrats to Tom on his amazing achievement. Wishing Tom a long lifetime of many more outstanding climbing adventures!
Cheers Dave

In reply to UKC Articles:

I don't normally comment on articles but it was the best I head read on here. Thanks for that!

In reply to UKC Articles:

A superb article and a great new format. More of these please.

In reply to UKC Articles:

What a great piece. Excellent writing, especially the ending.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Great article, thanks a lot. Alison, RIP, you were great.

In reply to ed woods:

I agree. I love the new format, it really adds to the content of the article

In reply to UKC Articles:

don't normally reply on here, but what an outstanding article!!

In reply to UKC Articles:

Fantastic article, stunning subject, great format - thanks Jack et al, much appreciated!!! Hope you enjoyed your experience over there with the Ballards as well.....

Phil

In reply to UKC Articles:

Not working on old ipad 1

In reply to UKC Articles:
I enjoyed reading that, thank you.

I was puzzled that there was no reference to the choice of title. I was expecting at some point in the item reference would be made to the fact that 'Starlight and Storm' is the title of Gaston Rebuffats classic book about ... climbing the six Alpine north faces.

But no mention of this that I could see. Isn't that a little cheeky?

If I missed the reference, apologies.

In reply to Fredt:

Hi Fred,

Glad you enjoyed it, and thank you to everyone else for the kind words.

The reference to Gaston Rebuffat's book is in the second video.

Nick

In reply to NJBrown:

My humble apologies, I missed that second video, and now I've seen that it makes the whole thing pretty brilliant.

In reply to UKC Articles:

All of us who ever met or knew Alison will agree, this is a fantastic tribute.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Another article ..

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/11512774/Tom-Ballard-the-new-king-of-...

In reply to Jim Hamilton:

Spicy even. Nice you posted something to read as the digital feature doesn't work on my olderAppleMac. Is there a special plugin required or does it use flash ??

In reply to UKC Articles:

Brilliant... loved that.
She was incredible.

Euge

In reply to UKC Articles:

Finally got round to watching this - thought provoking, inspiring, revealing, compelling. More please!

In reply to UKC Articles:

Brilliant article - and so overdue. Alison Hargreaves was an inspirational climbing legend and precious little has been written about her in the last 19 years. Sensitive, awe inspiring and tackles some of the difficult questions.

The last section is particularly poignant.

In reply to UKC Articles: not working on newish iPad , starts with a cracking picture (jorasse ?) then crashes.

In reply to UKC Articles:

That was a really good piece. Good effort to all involved.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Great piece. I was captivated by the sights, sounds, stories. Excellent balance between the highs and lows.

Really enjoyed this, moving and thoughtful. Thanks UKC.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Really loving these digital features, totally immersive. Congrats to all involved, I'm sure it's a lot of work.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Beautiful and very affecting.