Aiming high

Standing at the top of the world is a feat that most of us can only dream of. Yet for Saddleworth-born climber Kevin Thaw, reaching the summit of Mount Everest in 2007 for an international film is just one of many career highlights. In an interview from Buenos Aires, the local lad talks to Lewis Jones about the thrill of climbing, reaching the summit and his longing to return to the northern hills.

As a 15 year-old, Kevin Thaw bravely clung to the rocks at Indian’s Head above Dovestone — he was oblivious to the danger.

He took risks, safe in the knowledge that his mother’s plastic washing line would act as a trusty home-made safety rope should his foot slip. That was 25 years ago and was the best decision he ever made.

The Saddleworth-born adventurer couldn’t have known at the time that such humble beginnings as a teen explorer from Heathfields Road, Uppermill, would lead to a climbing career that would take him to the top of the world.

Due for worldwide release in Imax cinemas this summer, expedition film “The Wildest Dream: Conquest of Everest” sees the famed local lad scale the giant, and make it to the cloud-shrouded 29,000ft peak.

But Kevin seems, if not slightly nonchalant, certainly humble as to the significance of the achievement.

He admits that it was never very high on his to-do list, but a topic of conversation that comes up most often.

Kevin said: “The view was absolutely stunning because you are literally on top of the world but for me it was a punctuating point across a grander career. It puts everything into a frame.

“In terms of classic climbing, I made my name doing first ascents on very technical ground, but the one that everyone knows and recognises is Everest and you can talk about all these different climbs but it comes full circle if you haven’t tackled the highest.

“It’s not the actual climbing it is the weather that makes it a whole different ball game but it was marvellous to get up there.”

On June 8, 1924, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine vanished in Everest’s death zone, becoming legends during their daring mission to become the first to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain.

The film, which sees Kevin trace their footsteps with American mountaineer Conrad Anker — who discovered Mallory’s body in 1999 — looks set to offer a poignant take on the men’s story.

Everest aside, Kevin’s success as a world-class climber has taken him on a tour of the entire globe.

Upgrading from the washing line, a keen Kevin would come to spend his entire money on his hobby as a youngster, after a couple of experienced climbers saw his improvised ways and decided to literally show him the ropes — from Diggle’s old pallet yard.

The boy has certainly done good, becoming a fully-fledged member of the North Face climbing team in the 25 years since.

He said: “Climbing is an interesting thing, it is the ultimate escapism, for a few little moments all the trials and tribulations disappear.

“It becomes all-encompassing, you don’t have the mind space to think about anything but not falling and it forces you to be in the moment and live in that little bubble.

“It’s like a dirty drug. You do a little bit then you want more and more — and that’s the reason I travel far and wide for it.”

Often regarded as Britain’s best all-round climber, his achievements read as an impressive list of things to do before you die.

From Borneo to Joshua Tree in California, Canada to Patagonia, Kevin is currently based in Buenos Aires with his fiancé Flavia.

He said: “I’ve been lucky in managing to spend time on most continents but it is still always a joy to come back to Saddleworth. More than anywhere on the planet it feels like home.

“My mum — who still lives in Uppermill — and my family will be happy to see me back.

“It’s just one of those places, you can find your own space or drive into the city, it’s about striking that balance. Saddleworth is the place I will probably end up.”

With his feet firmly on the ground and his heart certainly at home, the outdoors-lover can afford to indulge in a little celebrity fantasy every once in a while.

Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Alan Rickman may voice the brand new Everest film, but this is not the climber’s first brush with fame after living in California for six years.

He said: “In the climbing world people recognise me but outside of that I’m also a member of the Screen Actors Guild because of rigging work I’ve done for different features.”

His lack of nerves and penchant for taking heights in his stride made him a prime candidate for high-wire work on Hollywood films, but he admits it was all a little bizarre.

He said: “I ended up playing with ropes and rigging and managed to meet a few people like Wesley Snipes and Robert DeNiro — he was a gent, he would say to the crew ‘just call me Bob.’”

Oldham might not have the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite in California and the glossy life of Hollywood films, but with plans to return to Saddleworth this summer, Kevin hopes that he can play his role in encouraging all ages to enjoy what the borough’s great outdoors has to offer.