Many things. I remember wanting to be a vet, a ballet dancer and a hairdresser.

I wanted to be like my dad, who was an academic, because he had an office packed full of books, always had loud music on, and seemed to get to do what he wanted.

I wanted to play for Arsenal. When I have a kick-around with my boy, I still feel as if someone’s going to spot me.

At the end he asked me if I would like to go into the Army. I thought it would be splendid to command an Army, so I said 'Yes' at once: and immediately I was taken at my word. ... I was told later that he had only come to the conclusion that I was not clever enough to go to the Bar. However that may be, the toy soldiers turned the current of my life.

Everest the hard way in 1975: leading the expedition that succeeded where so many people had tried and failed. That was the most complex mountaineering challenge I ever faced. I spent hours at night in a little tent thinking about what the next problem would be and how to solve it.

Whenever things seem absolutely terrible, to see that you’re alive and that’s all that matters.

The loss of Conrad.

Compassion, resourcefulness and resilience form a rounded good person. So that’s what I’d like to leave my children and grandchildren.

It’s my snoring that keeps Loreto awake!

There are so many instances when I’ve come very close to death that it’s difficult to pick one.