Churcher's College was honoured to host a CCALS talk on Tuesday 29 April by returning OC Tom Livingstone (09) who has spent the last ten years as a professional mountaineer. Tom, who is described by Sir Chris Bonington as "one of the finest climbers in the world, always using the purest techniques", is now based in Chamonix, France, is an acclaimed mountaineer and outdoor writer. His passion for traditional, winter and alpine climbing is evident as is his particular love of ascending some of the world's biggest and notoriously hardest mountains! Tom also works as an outdoor instructor and in 2020 founded the British ‘Young Alpinist Group’ whose mission is to advance the next generation of world-leading young UK mountaineers. 

The audience of pupils, parents, staff and alumni heard Tom explain that his love of the outdoors started with his time at Churcher's where he participated in all the outdoor adventurous activities on offer. "I can credit the school and the teachers with where I am now - it is thanks to them". He completed the Devizes to Westminster race three times and both the 35-mile and 45-mile Bronze and Silver Ten Tors challenge whilst at school. He encouraged students to "try lots of things whether that is doing climbs, kayaking, maths or music" and "to discover what you really enjoy." 

We are very grateful to Tom for his inspiring talk, for sharing with us what it takes to become a professional mountaineer, with all the challenges and risks that ultimately entails, and for his encouragement on how making mistakes can ultimately lead to success! If you would learn more about Tom Livingstone or read further articles you can find out more on his website: Tom Livingstone.