Website Announcement for Rob

 

On the afternoon of January 9th 2009, Rob Gauntlett and James Atkinson were nearing the top of the Gervastutti Couloir on the East face of Mont Blanc du Tacul. They were surrounded by a stunning vista of jagged peaks as far the eye could see. The winter Sun was bathing the panorama a deep gold, and at that moment the world must have seemed infinitely vast and glorious. Soon after, for reasons we may never know, the pair fell to their deaths.

 

This accident has saddened so many, but we who are left behind must draw from the shining example that these young men set. There is little time to grieve when we are challenged and inspired to achieve as much.

 

Rob’s dreams and his legacy will not stop here. A Trust is being set up in his memory to support initiatives that are in the spirit of Rob's beliefs and endeavours.  The Trust will focus on opportunities for young people; care and respect for the environment; and encouragement of social mobility and integration. Rob believed that every person should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and achieve their 'Everest', however large or small and in whatever walk of life.

 

To make a donation please enquire through the contact form at RobandJames.com

 

Below are two pieces that were read at Rob’s funeral:

 

An extract from “A Tribute to Rob” delivered by Lucinda Hutchins at Rob’s Funeral:

 

Who are we if we don't fight to better ourselves every day?

 

What would life be if we did not challenge ourselves and learn new skills in the process?

 

Life is a journey full of infinite potential experiences, we only have a limited time on our beautiful and diverse planet, and surely this time has been wasted if we don't positively step forward and embrace the wealth of opportunities available.

Rob strove every single day to be better and stronger, he believed completely that he could achieve everything and anything, he embraced diversity and change, and he sought to use his experiences to encourage others to realise their potential.

We must realise there is opportunity in everything.

 

An adaptation of “Shine on you Crazy Diamond” by Pink Floyd. Written by Patrick Hutchins:

 

We will remember you young, you shone like the sun.
The gaze in your eyes was like deep holes in the sky.
You were caught in the crossfire of desire and glory, and swept on the steel breeze.

 

Arise, you target for faraway doubters; arise, you hoper, you thinker, you leader, and shine!

 

You reached for the secret too soon, you looked past the moon.
Threatened by storms at night and exposed in the light.
Well, you wore out your mission with random precision, and rode on the steel breeze.

 

Arise, you dreamer, you seer of visions; arise, you rider, you teacher, you climber, and shine!

 

Now, nobody knows where you are, how near or how far.
As time sets in many more layers, we’ll be joining you there.
We’ll bathe in the shadows of yesterday’s triumph, and sail on the steel breeze.

 

Arise, you brave heart, you tiger, you legend; arise, you martyr, you winner, you diamond, and shine!