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I climbed more , filmed more , and I did more work in the mountains . In 2009 I came up with an idea that would change everything . It combined three dreams into one adventure . I would ride a motorbike to the south of France , climb Mt Blanc and paraglide from the top of a high mountain . So it was simple : get there , climb it and ( if ) I reached the summit , I would fly off !
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Most people thought this was a crazy idea , but with the help of my partner in crime , the remarkable Irwyn Jehu , ( who taught me to paraglide ), we made a plan . It took months to source equipment such as a motorbike , a lightweight paraglider and a video camera . I didn ’ t have these things … nor any money ! I used links with the BBC to convince BMW to loan a motorbike and links with BMW to convince the BBC to loan a video camera . Consequently Ozone promised to loan me a lightweight paraglider and harness . Against the odds my ‘ creative blagging strategy ’ worked ! What happened next was the best bit – we only went and did it ! I was the first British woman to successfully fly from the summit of Mt Blanc ensuring sponsors were happy . I was thrilled not to mention relieved !
This project showed me how I could turn my adventures into stories with a value for sponsors . With an amazing portfolio of photos ( thanks to the generosity of David Spurdens Photography ) I approached Salomon , Suunto and Rab for support ( kit I loved )! Slowly these incredible brands agreed to work with me . Everest was never a mountain that was on my radar . However , after reaching the summit of Cho Oyu , an 8,201m peak things changed !
In order to afford to do the mountaineering trips I worked with the climbing company , Summit Climb who became good friends . I am not a solo mountaineer and without sherpas I could not climb the mountains I have . Despite some sponsors in place , Everest has a hefty price tag and I needed more . Having never been to university I decided this would be my personal student loan to myself coinciding with my 30th birthday . I had a huge loan to pay back . I wanted to be the first women in the world to fly from the Everest Summit . I made it to the top of the world , but weather made flying impossible ”.
Afterwards I began to do more speaking engagements , presenting work , and worked with new sponsors as an ambassador . I was slowly making money ! Fast forward and I have a brand : Squash Falconer , adventurer , speaker , presenter and just a few weeks ago , four years after Everest , I repaid my loan and things are looking good for the future .
What are your plans for 2016 ?
I filmed a television series with an American production company in South America two years ago . I presented an adventure travel documentary riding 3,000 miles on my BMW through Argentina , Chile and Peru before flying to Columbia and Brazil .
Each episode involved meeting up with an extreme sports athlete , doing a stunt or sport with them , and exploring their local region . It was an incredible trip with extraordinary people . We are finishing editing and hopefully it will be available soon .
How to focus on maintaining your goals and managing to lead an unconventional life ?
I didn ’ t deliberately set out to have an unconventional life or avoid the nine to five .
My life unfolded because of who I am , the people around me and the opportunities I decided to take . Work / life balance is a struggle because I generate my own income which is a wonderful but also a difficult blessing .
Surprisingly I like routine , so whilst I embrace change , challenge and adventure I like having structure , lists and some kind of plan . My goals are to follow my passions so consequently my work and my life all blend into one – it ’ s just what I do .
Mountains have taught me a lot ranging from amazing days , to days so hard you want to curl up in a heap and give up . You have the lows and highs and the goal is as much about the journey , the experience and the people . This perspective on the overall situation keeps me on track .
Do you train for your challenges and if so how ?
Yes . In the past I have always done endurance training ; out on the hill hiking , long slow runs , road cycling or ElliptiGo ’ ing . Recently I ’ ve turned to strength training and ‘ clean eating ’. I ’ m not a huge gym fan and like to use my own body weight and be outdoors . Intense , interval sessions have made such a difference to my overall fitness and strength .