Jo Gambi

Jo Gambi has "set a string of records that takes a lot of beating and, along the way achieved one of the ultimate feats in modern day mountaineering" (The Independent). Jo holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest female ascent of the Seven Summits (the highest mountain on each continent) and she was the second British woman to climb Everest's North ridge. In 2005 Jo and her husband, Rob, became the first married couple to climb the 'Seven Summits' in record time and ski and to the Poles. Impressively they achieved this not only while Rob was in remission from his second bout of cancer but in spite of a near fatal incident while stranded high in the Himalaya.

Jo has two degrees including a first class degree in business and production management and has worked in manufacturing as well as for Marks and Spencer's in buying as a product technologist. She's also worked as a physiotherapist for UCLH (one of the UK's leading NHS trusts) and privately for the London welsh RFC as well as being a clinical Pilates instructor. In addition to this she has over a decade of experience in youth work and has worked overseas extensively on community, church and hospital based projects. Jo competes successfully in triathlons around Europe and is a keen skier. Jo is an Ambassador of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards including being a presenter at the Gold Award ceremonies at both St James' and Buckingham Palace. She is also a Patron to Adventure Plus and an Ambassador for Rock UK – charities devoted to youth development and outdoor programmes.