MOUNTAINEER Joe Simpson will give a talk to the Sporting and Dining Club this summer.
In anticipation of significant interest, the HSBC sponsored event will take place at the Royal Hall in the Villa Marina, Douglas, which will also allow for full appreciation of Joe's audio visual material and stunning photography library.
Based on the BAFTA award-winning drama documentary film Touching the Void – officially the most successful documentary in British cinema history - Joe's talk will draw on his experiences as one of the world's most successful and respected mountaineers and the story of his amazing survival, having shattered his leg and been left for dead in a crevasse high in the Andes.
A psychological and philosophical tale of courage and human endurance, Joe's talk will also offer highly pertinent messages relating to planning, risk, teamwork, leadership, motivation and our ability to reach beyond what we thought was possible.
In addition, funds raised through an auction during the dinner will be donated to a local charity, selected by HSBC.
Dinner tickets are available for the event as usual, costing £65 for members and £70 for non-members, by ringing 07624 495749 or by emailing john@sportinganddiningclub.com
There are also seats just for the talk only, priced £10, available by calling 01624 600555, online at www.villagaiety.com or in person at the Villa Reception or Sea Terminal Welcome Centre.
John Wannenburgh of the Sporting and Dining Club said: "I expect Joe's talk to be a real highlight this year.
"He has earned real recognition as speaker, telling his story in an unassuming, articulate and often humorous way.
"Joe's message is that, no matter how tough things get, there is always a way to not only come through it, but to achieve even greater goals and I'm sure that will resonate with everyone coming along to listen to him and that they will all be left with an overriding feeling of total amazement."
Kevin Cartledge, senior manager at HSBC, said: "The quality of speakers at the series of events organised by the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club is first class and I am delighted that HSBC has continued to support it this year.
"I am particularly pleased that we continue to raise significant funds through these dinners for local charities and I am sure that this dinner will attract a bumper crowd and a significant sum for charity."
Meanwhile, there are still a limited number of seats left for the club's next event on April 28 featuring Gulf War hero John Peters who will give a dramatic account of his experiences during Operation Desert Storm.
It takes place at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club, Santon, with tickets costing £60 for members and £70 for non-members. Ring 07624 495749 or email john@sportinganddiningclub.com to book.
