Topsham man's climbing code respected
By Graham Britton. BRAVE mountaineers have received awards for helping people whose lives are endangered while climbing – and in doing so have followed a code of practice launched by a Topsham man. Norman Croucher OBE, of White Street, is a member of the
By Graham Britton
BRAVE mountaineers have received awards for helping people whose lives are endangered while climbing - and in doing so have followed a code of practice launched by a Topsham man.
Norman Croucher OBE, of White Street, is a member of the Alpine Club, the oldest mountaineering organisation in the world.
The 68-year-old set up an initiative as part of the club after several incidents where climbers had ignored people who were sick, injured - or even dying - in 'self-centred bids for summit glory'.
You may also want to watch:
Bravery presentations were made two weeks ago to six climbers who rescued a Spanish alpinist from a Himalayan mountain - endorsing Norman's code.
The commendations aim to recognise people who have forsaken their own objectives to assist those whose lives are at risk.
Most Read
- 1 Changes to polling stations for upcoming elections
- 2 Work to begin on plan to protect ‘jewel in Exmouth’s crown’
- 3 Joma Devon & Exeter League results and fixtures
- 4 Plans for Beacon land to be used by hotel thrown out
- 5 Lympstone brothers raise funds and awareness as part of National Autism Week
- 6 As we look forward to a more normal life, what will your 'legacy hand' be?
- 7 Dreams and nightmares at the Grand National
- 8 Flowers blooming at All Saints for Easter
- 9 Exmouth Hospiscare centre gets cash boost from Freemasons
- 10 Next stop Queen’s Drive for Exmouth Miniature Railway!
Speaking about the Spirit of Mountaineering event which he attended in Chamonix, France, where the presentations were made, Norman said: "It was a great day.
"The event was so well attended there had to be a screen put up in an overflow room for people to watch."
Norman, who has climbed more than 50 mountains, was run over by a train which cut off his legs when he was aged nineteen.
He added: "People in our society generally tend to be concerned with winning at all costs which I find questionable.
"Certainly, in a mountaineering context I don't agree with that mindset hence why I set up the code."
Norman was made an OBE in 1977 for services to promoting adventure sports for people with disabilities.
Reflecting on his life's achievements, in a humble fashion he merely said: "It's been hard work!"
But, he added: "Setting up the code is the one thing I'm most proud of - people adhering to this is of utmost importance."
Of his greatest mountain successes, high-altitude climber Norman, notably, scaled Himalayan peak Cho Oyo in Tibet in 1995, which has a height of 26,906ft.
ENDS
Word count: 312
