It seems like Inglis is really into himself.. A clue to why he did it??
markinglis.co.nz
As a lad, I was lucky enough to have one of those 'boys own' jobs as a Search and Rescue Mountaineer in New Zealand's majestic Mount Cook National Park, one of the premier high alpine climbing regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Unfortunately I had a mishap in November 1982, ending up stuck in an ice cave dubbed 'Middle Peak Hotel' for 14 days.
Our rescue was turned into a major media event as well as being a traumatic time for all involved. As a result of this very public hiccup to my climbing profession I lost both legs below the knees due to frostbite.
In the ensuing years, I have gone on to show my ability in a range of endeavours. My career has gone from legless mountaineer and ski guide, to research scientist after graduating with a first class honours degree in human biochemistry. That career evolved into winemaking with New Zealand's leading winemaker, Montana wines. Only recently after 10 years with Montana developing internationally acclaimed wines such as Lindauer, Deutz and all the fantastic Marlborough classics like Sauvignon Blanc, I have struck out in new directions, writing and inspiring people to excel.
Equally as exciting I have been busy skiing internationally in the early 1990's, cycling with a passion culminating in a Silver medal on the track in the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. More recently the mountains have called again, with summiting Aoraki/Mount Cook in January of 2002, a highlight of my life. In recognition of this, I received the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003 for services to disabled people - people who I see as having not a lack of ability, just a different opportunity.
Most recently I successfully conquered the 6th highest mountain in the world, Cho Oyu (8201m) and have now become the first double amputee to have summited an 8000m peak.
During 2003 I spoke to almost 60,000 New Zealand students as I travelled with an inspirational roadshow, INZONE, an association I am sure will continue to develop over the coming years inspiring our youth to dream BIG, not to fear failure but to treat it as a lesson in life, part of learning for life.
The coming two years will see me set a bench mark for Paralympians, with a non-stop ride from Kaitaia to Bluff, 2500 km, the length of New Zealand. You'll find me in the Southern Alps and North America training for Mount Everest in 2005, a probable first for a double amputee. It's those mountains calling again.
I am accompanied through all of this with Anne, my wife and our three children, Amanda, Jeremy and Lucy.
MY CONTRIBUTION
I am one of five featured celebrities for the coming Work Choice Day, encouraging students to enter businesses to look for career matches.
An Ambassador for Outward Bound, focusing on their disabled courses.
Inaugural Chairman of the Marlborough First Light Foundation, a charitable trust which encourages and funds Marlborough youth to experience the power of Outward Bound.
The Patron of Back-up New Zealand, a program that delivers the opportunity of outdoor challenge to disabled New Zealanders.
I am now a Patron of The Cambodia Trust Aotearoa.
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