UKC

'All my climbing life I've been dedicated to the pursuit of climbing such needles. Like a hunter of pointed trophies.' On Friday 13th February 1998, a traumatic, albeit ironically fortuitous event dramatically reduced British climber Paul Pritchard's physical capabilities; yet profoundly altered his perception of life and the world around him.

Last week - 18 years on - Paul went one step further and finally reached the top of the 'Tote' - bringing his new adventure full-circle and symbolically representing the 'pinnacle' of his resilience and optimism along the way. Another pointed trophy to add to his cabinet, perhaps, but surely the one which boasts the most remarkable backstory. We contacted Paul to talk about his journey.

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In reply to UKC Articles:

I'm struggling to think of anything that isn't some tired cliche, but this is incredible.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Brilliant article/interview Nat and equally brilliant answers/excerpts from Paul, who remains and introspective, thought provoking and down to earth as always.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Incredible story. Very inspirational. Good work Paul!

In reply to UKC Articles:

A really good interview and lunchtime read. I'll have to get round to reading about the crowd funder for the film also. The original BBC programme (one of a series, I think) on Paul Pritchard's accident and recovery was worth a watch (if UKC can find it tucked away anywhere on the internet it would make a suberb Friday night vid). It led me to read first the Totem Pole and then Deep Play. His account of the enchanted broccoli garden FA will stay with me for a long time, as will much of the Totem Pole. An inspiring man.

In reply to UKC Articles:
Great article and like the way you've woven in extracts from the book.

In reply to UKC Articles:

I am unsure if there is a UKC award for interview article of the year, or indeed an Outdoor writers Guild award for interview article of the year, but if there is this must be up there amongst the worthy winners. This is very very good. Congratulation to Nat and to Paul.

In reply to UKC Articles:

A brilliant and very moving article - thanks. Pritchard displays such resilience and acceptance, I look forward to his next book.

The video of him climbing with Dawes on rainbow slab (included on the Welsh Connections DVD) is pure gold.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Help Paul produce a proper film of this inspirational achievement and get some goodies as a result: http://www.pozible.com/project/205332

Please note, the amounts are in Australian dollars and you get a lot of those to the pound! Make a difference, chip in a few quid and become part of the story.

In reply to UKC Articles:

Such a great interview - well done and thanks. Would be good to support the film via crowdfunding.

In reply to UKC Articles: Stayed with Paul whilst we were on Tasmania before and after climbing the totem pole. He is a true gent and an absolute hero! I really hope he reaches his target as I really want to read The Totem Pole!

 

In reply to UKC Articles:

Nice one Natalie, Pritch,

I'll throw in some Tassie $$ for you.

Cheers,

And. xx

In reply to UKC Articles:

fantastic interview and fantastic achievement. Totally inspiring.

 

 

 

In reply to UKC Articles:

Celia Bull carried out an outstanding and skilled rescue with impossible pressure. Without her intervention the amazing outcome would never have occurred.

https://www.climbing.com/people/everyday-hero-ii-bullish-determination/

 

In reply to AP Melbourne: Awww thank's Andy!  xx

 

In reply to barry donovan:

Thank you Barry, never seen that article before!

In reply to Pete_Frost:

Hey Pete, We are in talks with Hollywood, honest!

In reply to sheavi07:

Hi sheavi07, The film has been out for over a year. 'Doing It Scared' see https://vimeo.com/ondemand/doingitscared 

This Crowdfunder - https://pozible.com/project/the-totem-pole-20-years-on is for a new 20th Anniversary Edition of The Totem Pole.