Trailblazing Adventurer Tori James Celebrated by UWTSD
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has conferred an Honorary Fellowship upon adventurer, educator and inspirational leader Tori James in recognition of her outstanding achievements and contribution to adventure education, leadership development and community engagement.
The award was conferred during the University’s graduation ceremonies, celebrating Tori’s remarkable accomplishments as an explorer and her ongoing commitment to inspiring people of all ages to challenge themselves, broaden their horizons and realise their potential.
Born in Pembrokeshire, within the University’s heartland, Tori James has become one of Wales’s most recognised adventurers and role models. In 2007, she made history as the first Welsh woman and the youngest British woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, an achievement documented in the BBC film On Top of the World.
Since then, she has continued to push the boundaries of adventure and endurance across the globe. Her expeditions have included being part of an all-female team racing 360 miles to the Magnetic North Pole, cycling 2,400 kilometres across New Zealand, and undertaking a 1,100-kilometre kayaking, cycling and hiking challenge in support of the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association.
While these achievements have brought her international recognition, Tori has consistently used her profile to inspire others and promote the wider benefits of adventure, resilience and personal development.
Her work aligns closely with UWTSD’s commitment to widening participation, leadership development and experiential learning. As a leading member of the Commonwealth Leadership Institute, a strategic global initiative involving the University’s Institute of Management and Health and Institute of Education and Humanities, she has contributed to programmes that encourage leadership, collaboration and positive social impact.
Beyond her expeditions, Tori has devoted significant time to volunteering, mentoring and outreach activities. She serves as Wales Ambassador for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Girlguiding Cymru, helping to encourage young people to embrace challenge, develop confidence and gain valuable life skills.
In recognition of her voluntary service and community engagement, she was awarded the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award in 2014, acknowledging a decade of dedication to inspiring and supporting others.
Throughout her career, Tori has demonstrated how adventure can be a powerful tool for education, personal growth and social impact. Her achievements continue to inspire young people across Wales and beyond to pursue ambitious goals and develop the resilience needed to overcome challenges.
The award was presented by Professor Gareth Davies, Dean of the Institute of Management and Health at UWTSD.
Presenting the honorary fellowship, Professor Davies said:
“Many of you will be here, rightly proud, feeling you have scaled your Everest. A fitting metaphor for your journey. Dedication, application and sacrifice – leading to achievement of a goal, with support from loved ones bringing you to this moment. For Tori, it is a bit more than a metaphor.
Her journey is one of landmark achievements and inspiration. Being the first Welsh woman to climb Everest, journeying to the North Pole as part of an all-woman team, and cycling across New Zealand, to list a few. Everest is figuratively and literally the greatest height an adventurer can achieve on earth.
Dedication, application and sacrifice – Tori has shown how to go the distance and reach any height. It is her achievements and contribution to nurturing ambition, that present Tori as fantastic addition for Fellowship of the University.”
Accepting the award, Tori James, said:
“I am so incredibly honoured to be receiving an honorary fellowship from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. To be recognised by Wales’ oldest university is a very special moment indeed.
Whilst this award reflects my journey so far, I also see it as an invitation to keep exploring, to keep learning, and to keep contributing, and I commit to doing that.
To the Class of 2026 – and to every one of you who are receiving qualifications today – congratulations. You’ve done it. You’re here. Perhaps there were moments when you didn’t know that you’d get here.
Take a moment to soak in this occasion, reflect on where you came from, that commitment you made to your studies, and take pride in this achievement.”
The Honorary Fellowship is among the highest distinctions awarded by UWTSD and recognise individuals whose achievements have made an exceptional contribution to society, education, leadership, or public life.
Through her pioneering achievements, commitment to education and dedication to helping others realise their potential, Tori James has become an inspiring ambassador for Wales and a powerful advocate for the transformative value of adventure and leadership.
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076