BIOGRAPHY

Andy Kirkpatrick is one of the UK’s most accomplished mountaineers. Described by Climbing magazine as having “a strange penchant for the long, the cold and the difficult”, he specialises in climbing huge vertical walls of rock, often in winter. He has climbed Yosemite’s El Capitan 12 times including a 12 day solo ascent of the mighty Reticent Wall. He has also made a 15-day winter ascent of the Lafaille Route on the Petit Dru, a 1000m pillar in the Alps considered to be one of the most difficult climbs in Europe.

Andy’s other accomplishments include a first winter ascent of the east face if Mermoz in Patagonia, Argentina, two record breaking expeditions with paraplegic adventurer Karen Darke (including a 29 day crossing of the Greenland ice cap and a successful ascent of El Capitan) and most recently the first attempt at a winter ascent of Torre Egger in Patagonia.
In 2009 Andy lead the expedition to assist injured serviceman Major Phil Packer climb El

Capitan in Yosemite, helping to raise over £1 million for the charity Help for Heroes. He is currently writing his second book, planning his third theatre tour with his unique brand of stand-up and fundraising for a new expedition with Karen Darke; the first arm-powered journey from the edge of the Antarctic to the geographic South Pole.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING

Over the last ten years Andy has become an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, inspiring corporate clients and school children with his unique brand of inspiration and humour. 
Andy's journey from remedial student to successful climber, writer and speaker is an extraordinary tale of ambition and self-belief.

Brought up on a council estate in Hull, Andy suffered from severe dyslexia which went undiagnosed until he was 19. Today he is a world expert on climbing gear, funding his expeditions through his work as a freelance writer and motivational speaker.  In 2008 he published his first book Psychovertical, which received rave reviews and won the Boardman Tasker Prize for mountain literature.  His journery from unqualified school-leaver to published writer and internationally acclaimed mountaineer is an inspiration to anyone who ever doubted their ability to succeed.

“I haven’t climbed Everest, skied to the poles, nor sailed single handed around the world. The goals I set out to accomplish aren’t easily measured or quantified by world records or ‘firsts’. The reasons I climb, and the climbs I do, are about more than distance or altitude, they are about breaking barriers within myself”.

Andy climbing on the Dru in the Alps

WHAT OTHERS SAY...

"Andy was fantastic – a knowledgeable, engaging and entertaining speaker who captivated the audience from start to finish. The feedback I have had from attendees has been universally positive."

Simon Hickie, HR Director, Rightmove Plc


“Thank you so much for the excellent presentation you gave to our Year 11 students earlier this month. Our aim was to find an 'inspirational' speaker who could provide our pupils with 'food for thought' and demonstrate that determination and a will to succeed is important in life...you fitted the bill brilliantly!...Thank you so much for the positive impact you have had on these young people. I am certain your message has got through to them and will remain with them as they progress through life.”


Head of Upper School, Lady Manners School, Derbyshire


"Andy was the most inspirational speaker I have ever listened to.  His presentation was a perfect way to finish the event - on a high.  There were so many ways we could link this to our job."

Army Officer, Army Basic Skills Conference


AND ALSO...

Andy tours theatres with his own unique brand of stand-up. In Autumn 2010 he will be touring with his new show, Off the Wall - click on the poster below to find out more!

Dates & Venues for Off the Wall