N I G E L
V A R D Y
Known as Mr Frostbite, Nigel lost his nose, fingers and toes in temperatures of -60 C on Mt McKinley, Alaska in 1999. He was 30 years old
Hi Nigel, can you introduce yourself?
I’m a Derbyshire born and bred mountaineer, who has climbed across the globe on a number occasions. I cut my teeth climbing on Derbyshire Grit and Lime, before moving to winter routes in Scotland and then overseas. I’ve suffered for my sport including severe frostbite, near drownings, falls, appendicitis and avalanches. However, if you choose to put yourself in the valley, you must assume some shadows will fall.
My chaotic climbing career has attracted the attention of a number of international media companies, and I am President of the Buxton Mountain Rescue Team.
Do you consider yourself to have any mental health issues?
I have suffered some Mental Health Issues over the years. During my long recovery from frostbite I contemplated suicide and hated the scars I had gained. However these were my fault and I have accepted them. I found the immobility of a hospital bed difficult to face as I’m a very outdoor person and do not like sitting still. I was fortunate to be given excellent advice early on during my recovery and a very hard kick up the arse when I needed it.
How do you think getting outside improves mental health?
The outdoors allows a peaceful place for quiet and reflection. I often return to the woods where I played as a child and spent many years with my father. These memories are a great comfort to me. I also see the help that fresh air and sunshine give my partially sighted mother. She has found the recent pandemic beyond difficult, and I have used the outdoors as a vehicle to give her help and relief from the loneliness at home.
Has someone ever initiated a conversation about their mental health with you and if so, can you tell me a little bit about this?
This has occurred a number of times. I always have a listening ear and try to help, but don’t like never ending chat without action. Though speaking is useful (the recent pandemic has opened up the subject well), words without action are pointless. I learned this lesson during very bluntly during frostbite.
I recently walked with a group who were on a Mental health event and spoke with a lady who has suffered for years. She really wanted to try climbing, but no-one would take her. We’ve since climbed and her eyes lit up when she was on the rock. Action rather than words.
Do you have a favourite place to go when you need some downtime, if so where?
That’s for me to know.
Finally – What two items would you take with you if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island where all your food and water needs were taken care of?
A diary (I haven’t missed a day since I was 14) and a telescope as I love stargazing.
