Challenge 8000 -
Sunderland University
NEWS RELEASE 7 December 1999
Mountaineer honoured
Top mountaineer
Alan Hinkes has been honoured by the University
of Sunderland.
North Yorkshire-born
Alan, who is attempting to climb all fourteen
of the world's highest peaks received an
honorary award in a ceremony at Sunderland
Empire Theatre, alongside students who were
collecting degrees and diplomas.
Alan, 45, is the
UK's top high altitude mountaineer. He has
conquered eleven of the world's fourteen
highest peaks - all over 8000 metres and
including Everest and K2 - and hopes to
complete his 'Challenge 8000' within two
years. A former teacher, Alan is also a
sought-after public speaker and an accomplished
photographer and journalist.
Alan received
an Honorary Fellowship of the University,
in recognition of his outstanding contribution
to mountaineering and to the North-East
region. University vice-chancellor Professor
Peter Fidler said: "The awards ceremonies
are a wonderful celebration for our new
graduates, their families and friends."
