The irrepressible Cathy O’Dowd, the first woman to have scaled Mount Everest from its north and south sides,  is off on another incredible adventure. This time, she’s attempting to climb Nanga Parbat, the 9^th highest peak in the world, via the Mazeno Ridge. Despite various attempts over the years, this has never been done. Therefore if she and her team, of five others climbers, succeed with this new route, this will be an achievement of international significance in the climbing world. They’re climbing it alpine-style with no fixed ropes, no pre-placed camps and no supplementary oxygen. And all in support of Wilderness Foundation UK.

No doubt Cathy will have some (more) remarkable stories to tell following this expedition.  She’s already an exceptionally inspirational speaker, whether it be on the subject of overcoming huge challenges or the importance of teamwork.

To Cathy and the rest of her team as they set off on this extraordinary adventure, we wish them the very best of luck!