Mountaineering Guide David Hollinger Passes Away at Age 50
David Hollinger, a respected mountaineering guide and instructor, has died at the age of 50 from complications following a stroke. Known for his resilience and determination, Hollinger left a lasting impact on the climbing community through his adventurous spirit and professional contributions.
Early Life and Education
Born in Belfast to schoolteachers Yvonne and Wilbert Hollinger, Dave grew up in Ballyclare, County Antrim. He attended Fairview Primary School and later Ballyclare High School, where he served as head boy. His passion for the outdoors emerged early, with involvement in rugby, cross-country, athletics, orienteering, and the local scout group.
Hollinger earned a place at Jesus College, Cambridge, to study geography. During his university years, he became president of the Cambridge University Mountaineering Club, which further fueled his love for climbing and connected him with like-minded individuals.
Climbing Achievements and Career
After graduating in 1997, Hollinger dedicated himself to mountaineering, honing his skills at Scotland's Glenmore Lodge and Wales's Plas Y Brenin national outdoor centres. He funded his training through retail work while embarking on significant climbs.
His notable ascents included the Shroud on the Grandes Jorasses, the north face of the Eiger, the north face of the Matterhorn, and challenging winter routes in the Scottish Highlands such as Unicorn in Glencoe and Cornucopia on Ben Nevis. He also traveled extensively, making a second ascent of the west face of Ama Dablam in the Nepalese Himalayas and achieving first ascents in China's Sichuan province.
In 2005, Hollinger settled in Sheffield, where he met and married nurse educator Hannah Nixon in 2008. The couple had two children, Finley and Toby. In 2011, he co-founded Peak Mountain Training with two fellow guides, establishing a business that supported aspiring climbers.
Later Life and Legacy
Seeking more family time, Hollinger accepted a full-time instructor position at Glenmore Lodge in 2017, relocating his family to Aviemore. Tragically, in March 2018, he suffered a brain stem stroke from a skiing fall. Despite being fully cognitively aware, he lost the ability to move or speak.
After initial treatment in Inverness, he moved to the Royal Hallamshire in Sheffield, then to Steps Rehabilitation and Willowbeck care home. Through relentless effort, he learned to control a powered wheelchair with his right hand and communicate using eye-tracking technology on a computer screen.
With minimal physical abilities, Hollinger focused his mind on meaningful work. He collaborated with Sheffield universities to help shape the education of future nurses and social workers, aiming to improve support for people with complex care needs. He also served on the service user council of Willowbeck care home.
David Hollinger is survived by his wife Hannah, children Finley and Toby, his parents, and his brother. His legacy as a mountaineer and advocate for healthcare education continues to inspire.
