The first Scotswoman to complete the Seven Summits will give the Spirit of Wild Places lecture at the John Muir Trust’s Annual General Meeting and Members’ Gathering on 4 June at the Rheged Centre, Penrith.
In 2004 Vicky Jack conquered the highest mountains on each continent, becoming the oldest British woman to scale Everest in the process.
John Hutchison, chairman of the John Muir Trust, the UK’s leading wild land charity, said: “We are delighted to have such an inspiring speaker at our AGM.
“In many ways Vicky is an ordinary hill-walker who has pushed herself to extraordinary heights, which makes her journey all the more compelling.
“She is an example to all of us that determination is all that is needed to experience some of the world’s wildest places.”
Born and brought up in Scotland Vicky Jack developed her love of the outdoors through her father who introduced her to the hills at a young age. In her mid 30’s she realised that she didn’t know great swathes of Scotland, so she took up sailing and climbing the Munros.
Ten years later, having bagged all the Munros she then set her sights on big mountains. In 1996 Vicky climbed Mount Elbrus, where she first heard about the Seven Summits, which she completed in 2004 by reaching the summit of Mount Everest.
At the same time Vicky pursued her career as an executive director in public and private sector organisations. She has also been both a chairperson and director of voluntary organisations and charitable trusts. As a consultant she now focuses on strategy development, change management and establishing alliances and joint ventures.
The Annual General Meeting and Member’s Gathering is open to all John Muir Trust members. Bookings will close on the 20th May 2011 and more details can be found on the JMT website.