Bear Grylls

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Edward 'Bear' Grylls is an internationally-renowned writer, television presenter, adventurer and survival expert. His journey to this acclaim started in the UK on the Isle of Wight, where his late father taught him to climb and sail. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Bear went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces, serving with 21 SAS. Despite a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa, where he broke his back in three places, and after enduring months in military rehabilitation, Bear went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
 
He later starred in popular television series Man Vs Wild and Born Survivor. Off screen, Bear has lead record-breaking expeditions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, which in turn have raised over $2.5 million for various children's charities. He has been appointed the youngest ever Chief-Scout and was awarded an honorary commission as a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy. Bear has authored 10 books, including his autobiography Mud Sweat & Tears and an extreme adventure series for children, Mission Survival.

Author's Comment:

Q: When it comes to your kids, what’s the first survival skill you taught them?

A: Always have a backup plan. The other day, I saw my eldest halfway up this tree, really high up this thing, hanging off by one hand. This branch is dead. I said, "Stop. What’s your backup plan?" He says, "Papa, you never have a backup plan." I said, "I always have a backup plan."

Nationality: British