Paul’s reputation as a pioneering climber who is constantly pushing the limits as an adventurous mountaineer started very early in his home country of the United Kingdom. His adventures took him to remote places like the Himalayas, Karakorum, Patagonia, Baffin Island, The Pamirs and the European Alps. After winning the Boardman/Tasker Award for Mountain Literature for his book 'Deep Play' in 1997, Paul set off on a mountaineering trip with the prize money. His life changed drastically as a result of an accident during this trip when a boulder fell on his head while climbing the ‘Totem pole’ near Port Arthur in Tasmania. He became a hemiplegic (paralyzed on his right side), epileptic, and lost his speech for many months. This injury didn’t diminish Paul’s passion for adventures. He challenged himself to push the limits as before, going on to climbing Kilimanjaro and taking on activities such as caving, sea kayaking and river rafting. It was not until 2009 though when he returned to rock climbing. Life came full circle when in 2016 he finally climbed the Totem Pole. He has also authored two more prize-winning books, ‘The Totem Pole’ and ‘The Longest Climb’.

What challenges did you face when you started climbing again after your accident?P: The accident The best thing that happened to me The accident taught me this strange mixture of patience and determination. And, as I said in the film it taught me acceptance. 19 years of constant struggle with hemiplegia would be impossible if you didn't accept what had happened to you. With this acceptance comes the courage to face the necessary vicissitudes of life which we must all face at some point. Everyone is going to have the worst time in their life.

Would you share what you love the most about climbing?P: Rock climbing and mountaineering are very mindful activities. It is like a meditation. You have to be very aware of every move you make, every moment or you could hurt yourself. It’s like extreme yoga.

What is your most memorable climbing trip and why?P: My first expedition to Torres del Paine, Patagonia. It was my first ‘Big Wall’ climb. We inched up the 1.2km vertical face for three weeks sleeping in portaledges (a cross between a stretcher and a hammock that hangs from a single point). Here, hanging on the wall in a raging storm, maybe facing the most terrible consequence, I learned acceptance. Fear is meaningless, in all situations, being scared or being calm, the result will be the same.

How do you face obstacles in life? What keeps you moving forward?P: As I said before we must accept what has happened to us. NOT be resigned to it. Be accepting of it - there’s a big difference. We must all accept that this frail body we inhabit will wither and die. Once we have accepted this fact, truly accepted it, then we can start to live properly - We can let the future go without anticipation. When we anticipate something, and it doesn’t eventuate, it can only lead to suffering, or at least unhappiness. And, it goes without saying, we can let the past go, because it is already gone. It makes no sense to worry about the past. That’s how I approach every day now.

What message do you want to convey through your books, “The Totem Pole” and “The Longest Climb”?P: Probably one of support. As a person with a disability, I could never climb the Totem Pole with my hands and feet. I think this is the most important message that I have distilled from that climb. Without that rope it would have been impossible for me to realise a long held dream.
Like a ramp makes it possible for a wheelchair user to be included in society, or a pair of reading glasses make it possible for many people to read the newspaper or sit an exam. With support all people, disabled or not, are capable of some pretty extraordinary things.

Photographed by Matt Newton, all rights reserved

What are your other hobbies?P: I am very fond of riding my trike. It is specially adapted for me with all the controls on the left. It’s the only aerobic exercise I can get.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?P: The Totem Pole. I go there every year on the anniversary of my accident.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?P: Try not to be overly protective of them. Let them go out and try new things. I know it’s hard but that is the road to independent living and blossoming as we all should.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in climbing?P: Head down to your local climbing gym. Quite often now there are special sessions for people/kids with disabilities. You never know you could end up in the para-climbing world cup!

Any special message for our community?P: Just do it scared!