Womenspire ~ Shared Inspiration

Bonita Norris, Youngest British women to summit Everest

'I was inspired to climb a mountain. The idea
wouldn’t go away; I was determined to go for it'

"Reaching the summit of Everest was the most amazing feeling, surrounded by other climbers literally on top of the world. On the way up I was motivated by all the love and support I had received as I strove to achieve my dream and couldn’t have done it without my sponsorship team at VocaLink. I even sang the Beatles hit ‘All you need is love” as I made my assent to keep me going. I have had many inspirational influences in my life that have helped me accomplish my goals.

My step-dad Rob trained me in athletics when I was younger and always encouraged me never to give up. One day, when I was exhausted and on the verge of giving up, he told me that this was the point that made the difference between being a good runner or a very good runner. From then on, I knew I wanted to put in the extra effort and determination required to become a great runner. I also applied that ethos to climbing. Climber Robert Casserley once said “There are fair weather summiteers and all weather summiteers.”

That saying inspired me to give Everest my best shot even if it meant dealing with bad weather conditions. Climbing Everest has compounded my core beliefs which are work hard, believe in yourself and always follow your dreams. Never under estimate yourself. There were no short cuts when it came to reaching the summit. I didn’t expect it to be easy, so I dealt with set-backs and most importantly worked my butt off”