Bangor student takes on a North American climbing challenge

First year Geography student, Will Hardy will be taking his love of climbing to a next level this summer as he plans to go on a month-long climbing expedition.

Will who’s 20 and from Guildford in Surrey will be climbing Denali, the highest mountain in north America after gaining support and sponsorship from a number of companies including Arsenal Football Club. He explains,

“The expedition will involve us living on Denali in Alaska for a month carrying all of the supplies that we need. We chose Denali as it is not as high as some other peaks meaning that there is more oxygen which will allow us to try and climb some harder routes whilst we are there. It is also a beautiful part of the world that is very different from what we see day to day.”

A key aspect of the success of their fund-raising efforts is that following the trip, the group will be giving talks and presentations to school children focusing on the message of teamwork, activity, challenge and personal motivation. Will added,

“Sponsorship has been a combination of who you know but also just asking, as one company said to me “if you don’t ask you don’t get”. I hope the talks I do about my trip and the journey I have taken leading up to it will inspire others (particularly young people) to try new things.

“This trip will allow me to find out more about myself and how I interact with others. It will also give me memories that I will have forever. I hope the experience will allow me to go on to climb other mountains around the world.”

Will chose to study the BSc Geography degree at Bangor due to the University’s close proximity to Snowdonia. His time at Bangor has inspired him to take on new challenges and shown him “that if you want something you can find a way to make it work.”

The best thing about being a Bangor student according to Will “is being in a position to be in a lecture in the morning and then be out with friends in a wonderful part of the country in the afternoon.” 

The expedition will also be focusing on environmental concerns and the group will be removing all of their equipment and rubbish from the mountain along with any other that they find on their way.

For more information on Will Hardy’s expedition, visit his blog at www.wi11hardy.blogspot.com

Publication date: 19 April 2012