James Brownhill Memorial Fund

Bio

This Fund has been set up by James Brownhill's family following James' death on the Frendo Spur in the French Alps, above Chamonix.

James was an avid climber and mountaineer, he constantly strove to improve his skills and abilities, helping him progress into many areas and disciplines of the climbing world.

James' passion for the mountains started with the Peak District where he grew up and spent much of his outdoor life. His journey began with walking and trekking, an apprenticeship that gave him a broad and steady outlook of the mountain environment. By 17 James had begun to cycle out to many famous bouldering crags in the Peak District, slowly learning the techniques to climb on his beloved gritstone.

At 18, a winter trip to Scotland and a place on the Jonathan Conville course in Chamonix, provided the next step; a determined progression into alpine climbing. These trips became the fuel for the idea of pursuing mountains in the Andes of South America. James prepared for the trip of a lifetime that brought about 4 months of trekking, bouldering, sport climbing and mountaineering, culminating in reaching above 6000m, twice.

He always ensured there was a climbing trip or two each year, with trips to Bavaria, Fontainbleu and different areas of the UK always on the agenda.

His experience was gained quickly, but the quality of learning was reflected in the hours he put into his passion. From the first time in Chamonix he went a further 3 times, constantly learning, assessing and enjoying true alpine climbing. James was part of a major rescue in the French Alps in 2010, the safety of the climber who fell was greatly increased by James' quick and selfless actions at nearly 4000m.

James had dreams of the greater ranges, of going back to the Andes, up into the Himalaya and the 7 summits of the world. He understood the importance of preparation, getting out on traditional climbing, bouldering and big mountain days whenever he possibly could.

He had a thirst for life that will be greatly missed, he was a safe and caring member of the climbing community, something we want every climber to become.

James voluntarily taught inexperienced climbers in his university climbing club, just as many other university climbing club members do every year. Those in a position of responsibility should always ensure they have the safest knowledge so they aren't teaching bad practice. However, this is very difficult to verify and regulate.

The bursaries are there to help create a reliable point of reference for all those voluntarily teaching at university. If one person in the climbing club is able to become correctly trained others around them can ensure what they are teaching to is the best and safest practice.

James' family want you to be able to access this knowledge and pass it on, so the fund provides these bursaries to help you do this.

James' family have established a number of ways to generate some regular income for the memorial fund. One of those is through the sale of Greetings cards and the other is the book of walks called James' Dark Peak Gems.

Description of the Logo

James was passionate about many things in life which included Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Skydiving, Field hockey, and his Physiotherapy course.

During the development of the Logo it was very important to James' family that, in addition to climbing, his dedication to skydiving and hockey was displayed in the design. All of these pursuits played a big part in shaping the man we all love and remember.

Event details are available on the Facebook page.