More Than a Mountain has just picked up its 7th festival laurel, winning Best Short Documentary at the Hollywood Best Film Awards. The film celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first female ascent of Everest and the legacy of Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei - a story of connection, courage and honouring a woman history nearly forgot...

What an incredible honour it was to receive an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Wales Trinity St David at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea in July. Thank you to Professor Gareth Davies for this nomination. It was a special moment indeed and my mum was there to celebrate with me. As I said in my speech, none of my achievements have been solo achievements and so this award also recognises my team mates, colleagues, friends and family who have been part of adventures and challenges along the way. I see this an invitation to keep exploring, keep learning and keep contributing.

One of my goals this year has been to use and celebrate my Welsh more often, and it’s been wonderful to see where that journey has led. From launching a new Welsh-language page on my website and being named a Welsh ambassador, to giving Welsh-language interviews and looking ahead to speaking at the National Eisteddfod, there have been some memorable moments along the way. I’ve shared a few highlights below and hope you enjoy the update.

I’m excited to share some big news from this year, along with a look at what’s coming next for both the podcast and the film.

Is your stage set for International Women’s Day 2026? If your organisation is marking IWD 2026 and is looking for a speaker who will inspire, challenge, and spark meaningful conversation, read on to find out what I’ll be sharing this year.

In this very special episode of the First Females Podcast, recorded in Nepal, I sit down with Everest summiteer Jo Bradshaw to talk about legacy, resilience, and why some stories still haven’t been told loudly enough. Against the backdrop of the Himalayas, our conversation weaves together Jo’s own extraordinary experiences on Everest with her deep commitment to celebrating the life and impact of Junko Tabei.

‘More Than A Mountain’ premieres to a sell-out audience at UK’s largest adventure festival. Following a year of research, conversations, an expedition to Nepal and work by an amazing team we were incredibly excited to share this film which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first female ascent of Mount Everest.

This week I attended the Outdoor Alliance Wales Manifesto Reception at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay. 

Outdoor Alliance Wales is the single coalition of over 50 organisations representing the shared values for the whole of Wales's outdoor recreation, learning and adventure activity sector. It includes the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, The BMC, Paddle Cymru, Cycling UK and many others.

The Manifesto 2026 calls for politicians and policymakers to acknowledge outdoor recreation and lifelong learning as essential components of political party policy, enabling a pathway to achieving Wales’ Seven Well-being & Future Generation Goals.

In Episode 7 I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Polly Murray, who, in 2000, became the first Scottish woman to summit Mount Everest.

Growing up in Scotland, Polly’s childhood was steeped in outdoor adventures that laid the foundation for her skiing and mountaineering achievements. Polly’s tales of ski touring, climbing, and exploring across the globe reveal a fearless spirit and a deep love for the outdoors that have propelled her forward.

Launching the trailer for a new adventure film.

‘More Than a Mountain’ will be a documentary film which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first female ascent of Mount Everest. What began as a trek quickly became a deeper story of connection, courage, and celebration.

Can you help us to bring it to audiences around the globe? Please read on to find out more.

Get ready, this is Episode 7 of the First Females podcast. In this episode I talk to Saray Khumalo, the first Black African woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Saray’s story goes well beyond the summit. It’s about persistence in the face of failure, broadening the definition of leadership, and making space for others on the journey.

This week, I am thrilled to share the extraordinary story of Manal Rostom - the first Egyptian woman to summit Mount Everest. Her journey is a powerful testament to resilience, representation, and the courage to embrace big dreams, even when they seem out of reach.

This week on First Females, I’m joined by an extraordinary woman - Lucia Janičová, the first Slovakian woman to summit Everest. Lucia’s journey to the top is a story of resilience and courage both on and off the mountain. From overcoming personal challenges to preparing for the death zone, her experience is nothing short of inspiring.  

The latest episode of First Females is here, and it’s one you don’t want to miss. This time, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with New Zealander Lydia Bradey - the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. Lydia’s story isn’t just about climbing Everest; it’s about resilience, decision-making under extreme conditions, and a lifelong connection to the mountains.

My second episode of First Females is here, and this time I’m joined by an unstoppable force - Hannah Shields, the first woman from Northern Ireland to summit Everest. Her story is one of resilience, grit, and an unshakable determination to push beyond.

Today also marks the launch of the First Females podcast in which I’m talking to Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to climb Everest.

Image credit: This beautiful sketch of Junko was created by Tomos Bjerken, Design Student at York St John University.

In 2025 I’m excited to share two projects that will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first female ascent of Everest.

The ‘First Females’ podcast will share incredible stories from fellow summiteers around the world and I will be embarking on an expedition to climb Yala Peak (5,500m), Nepal.

This was one of the highlights of my speaking career.

In June 2024 I delivered a joint talk on adventure and leadership with Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary. It was an absolute honour to speak alongside someone who doesn't just know the meaning of adventure but the legacy of adventure too.

Last month I embarked on a 24 hour mini adventure to go camping by bike. My cargo bike was initially used to do the school run but I quickly had other ideas…….could we go camping by cargo bike? What would a 24 hour adventure from the centre of Cardiff look like?