“The Promise on One Tree Hill” by Sir Graeme Dingle, published by Bateman books, price $49.99. Reviewed by Tony Orman.
This 400 page book is an autobiography of Sir Graeme Dingle’s life but it is more than just that. It is a personal, candid account of Graeme Dingle’s transition from an uncertain teenager to a seasoned and highly successful mountaineer and adventurer to a determined, tireless philanthropic advocate for uncertain youth. By example, he hopes to inspire others.
The title refers to a promise in 1994 on One Tree Hill, Auckland, that Graeme Dingle made to a gathering which included prominent New Zealanders. His promise was to improve the lives of young people.
He well knew as a skinny teenager of the uncertainties of those early years. On a return to New Zealand from one of his adventures, he was appalled to learn thhat New Zealand was near the top of statistics such as teenage suicide and teenage pregnancy.
Probably because the outdoors and mountaineering instilled him with much needed valuable confidence and developed perseverance and determination in him, he took up the baton on behalf of youth.
The book tells of his emergence from world-class mountaineer to an inspirational visionary leader who co-founded the Graeme Dingle Foundation with his wife, Jo-anne Wilkinson. The couple’s indefatigable and dedicated commitment to helping young people through projects such as Project K and others will surely inspire others to help young people to a solid sense of purpose as they embark on adult life.
Graeme Dingle’s writes in an honest, straightforward, frankly told style.
Details are told of his numerous mountaineering firsts in the Himalayas, Andes, Antarctica, and New Zealand that were punctuated by near death experiences and inevitable injuries.
However Graeme Dingle isn’t just getting his life story down in book form; he’s championing youth, hopefully inspiring others to join him in motivating young people to develop and nurture a positive outlook to the present and their future.
It’s both a powerful and often passionate read. Highly recommended.
The outdoors is the best classroom for youngsters, boys or girls. Full marks to Sir Graeme Dingle and his wife Jo-Anne and others who have supported their endeavours.
The autobiography sounds like a very good read.