In the final episode of series one, Emma talks to Jesse Dufton who is a blind rock climber. He is the first blind person to lead climb the Old Man of Hoy, which is the focus of Alastair Lee’s multi award winning documentary ‘Climbing Blind'. You can watch a trailer for the documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcB39nBSv3Y

In their conversation, Emma and Jesse discuss his diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and rod-cone dystrophy which is a genetic condition. He was born with approximately 20% of central vision and has no peripheral vision. Despite this, Jesse has been climbing from the age of 2 with the help of his father. Jesse talks about the difference between indoor and outdoor climbing as well as the vital roles of the ‘leader’ climber and ‘second’ climber. Jesse also touches on his use of 3D mental mapping which helps him visualise his surrounds when ascending.

You can rent the documentary 'Climbing Blind' as mentioned Emma and Jesse's conversation, here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/climbingblind/361804553

You can also find out more about Jesse and his upcoming climbs at his website: https://jessedufton.com/

This episode was recorded remotely in June 2020.

Do feel free to get in touch with the team with feedback or future guest suggestions by emailing [email protected]

Interviewed by Emma Martins

Produced & Edited by Michael Wordingham and Rupert Mountjoy



Podcast artwork by Jimmy Scofield

Website: www.jimmyscofield.com

Contact: [email protected]

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Intro music is "Ghost Byzantine" by Blue Dot Sessions, licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License via the Free Music Archive.

Interlude and Outro music is "Dead River" by Blue Dot Sessions, licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License via the Free Music Archive

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