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Janette Radcliffe

Janette Radcliffe is a well-known British mountaineer and author. She has climbed some of the world's most renowned peaks in Europe, North America, and the Himalayas. She has also been deeply involved in the development of mountaineering and climbing equipment.

Radcliffe was born in London. She attended the University College London, where she studied economics and politics. She also took part in mountaineering and rock climbing for the first time while at college, and she soon fell in love with the activity that would be her life's passion. After graduating from college, she worked as a secretary for a year but quickly realized that was not the career path she wanted to pursue.

In the late 1960s, Radcliffe set off for the Alps with her climbing partner, Andreas Kunz. Their first success was a climb of Monte Rosa in Italy, for which Radcliffe was awarded the Council of Mountaineering's (now the Mountain Heritage Trust) Alpine Medal for distinction in mountaineering.

In 1973, Radcliffe and Kunz embarked on a 15-month-long expedition to Chile, Peru and Nepal. This expedition resulted in the first ascents of many peaks, including Pisco Norte, Colibr� Norte and Huandoy Sur. In 1975, Radcliffe and Kunz traveled to the U.S. and completed the technical climb of the East Buttress of El Capitan, a feat that was marked as one of the greatest climbing achievements in recent years.

Radcliffe and Kunz continued to explore higher altitudes in the Himalayas, where they first summitted in 1979. Reaching the top of a peak more than 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) high, they managed to show us that summit was possible and was achievable even for the most inexperienced mountaineer. During their Himalayan expeditions, Radcliffe and Kunz set the standard for what is now known as modern high-altitude mountaineering.  

Radcliffe's achievements also include presentations and lectures to international Universities and colleges, including a variety of live mountain climbing lessons and outdoor courses. She is a familiar face in outdoor film-making and regularly gives demonstrations on new mountaineering and climbing gear.

Radcliffe received an MBE for her services to mountaineering and the advancement of modern climbing equipment. She received an honorary doctorate from the University College London in 1998. She has served in a number of prestigious positions, including president of the Alpine Climbing Group, director of the Mountain Heritage Trust, and vice-president of the Rock Climbing Source.

Radcliffe continues to be an active mountaineer, lecturing internationally and attending a number of events. She is also a passionate advocate of female mountaineers. Through her words, she encourages more confidence in women to stand their ground and take up the challenge to climb.

A strong voice for mountaineers and climbing guides, Radcliffe is a role model for those who seek to challenge themselves and travel the world. She has had an enormous impact on the world of mountaineering, setting standards of safety and pushing the boundaries of what is achievable. With her guidance and enthusiasm, she will continue to help many more people explore the world beyond the ordinary and reach greater heights.  

Bibliography

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• Plant Propagation for Beginners. Timber Press(2017).
• Plant Propagation 101. DK Publishing(2018).
• Plant Propagation Basics. Cool Springs Press (2019).