Tragically Tom lost his life along with Italian climbing partner Daniele Nardi while attempting a first ascent of the Mummery Spur on Nanga Parbat in Pakistan in February 2019, we keep his profile active now to celebrate his life and achievements. 

Tom Ballard was born in the Peak District of England in 1988 before moving to the Highlands of Scotland in 1995. Here he went to school in the sight and smell of Britain’s highest mountain – Ben Nevis 4406 ft. He has never had any other wish or thought than to be a climber. What set him apart was the pure enjoyment and satisfaction he found in being on his own. From boulders to alpine faces, he enjoyed it all. He was at his most content and happiest in solo alpinism. Although mixed climbing ran a close second. A creative climber he gained satisfaction in either creating new routes or making free ascents of climbs that formerly used aid. He was considered to be one of the best climbers in the world.