William Pike
William was mountaineering with a friend on Mt Ruapehu in September 2007 when the volcano erupted. He was left with his legs severely crushed under rocks, mud and snow while his friend went for help.
After one of New Zealand’s most daring alpine rescues, William was successfully retrieved and considered by medics lucky to be alive. He suffered from critical hypothermia and had to have his right leg amputated from below the knee. However, this has by no means slowed him down.
William still has a passion for the outdoors and for adventure. He works as a primary school teacher by day but is a much sought after motivational speaker by night. He has recorded his story in his autobiography, Every Day’s a Good Day, and in 2010 the ‘William Pike Challenge Award’ was launched. The award is all about seeing young Kiwis learn and grow in the outdoors.
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