In the words of The Great Outdoors (TGO) Magazine Awards 2020

The Great Outdoors Awards have a simple purpose: to recognise the very best in the British outdoor world. People, places, brands, organisations, and more – our awards help you, the British hillwalking public, to give something back to those that help us all get the most out of our time in the hills.

It is therefore a great honour to have been shortlisted for:

When I saw the shortlist, it started me thinking to the first time I had an outdoors adventure, and it was when I was 9 years old on my first Wolf Cub camp. Five years later, as a Scout Patrol Leader, I taught my first group in map reading, compass, and navigation.

So, there is some irony in the fact that this Award Shortlist comes 55 years after my first camp and 50 years after my first teaching session. Not that I have ever sought recognition or glory. I do what I do because I love what I do.

When I look at the list it is nice to see two people I am very pleased to call friends, Debbie and James But to also see people I admire and respect such as Jessie Dufton the first blind person to lead climb the Old Man of Hoy.

So all I need now is your vote!!!!

Go to TGO website HERE and follow the links to the Awards 2020. You have to go through several categories to get the ‘Outdoor Personality’ list, so please don’t give up!

Every single vote will count, so please do not assume that everyone else will vote.  This means so much to me after 50+ years’ service to walking, instructing and having fun in the great outdoors.