Ali Kennedy climbing The Big Issue (E9 6c), Bosherston Head, Pembroke, without pre-placed gear or peg. The first few pieces were placed before climbing back down to the ground. Date of ascent: 21st May 2017.
Just to add to something to the story here, Ramon (Marin) and I bumped into Ali later that day. For those that haven't met Ali, he's an unassuming sort of guy, being both grounded and down to earth, but what happened next reveals a kind of pathological modesty that I am still in awe of. At the time we were heading over towards Bosherton Head to climb Punks in the Tea Room (E5 6b), which is located just beside The Big Issue. Ali had just finished shunting Do You Know Where Your Children Are? (E8 6c) in Huntsman's Leap, which was impressive enough, as we knew he was on something of a roll lately, with multiple E8/9 ascents. The usual pleasantries were exchanged and he asked us where we were going, we responded, and his return offering was "oh right, nice - it should be in good condition over there, have fun". Thanks Ali, thanks - what a guy... It was several days later when we heard that he'd actually done The Big Issue an hour or so earlier. I was dumbstruck and had to message him, "Ali, why didn't you tell us?!?!?". His response was "Didn't want to be 'one of those people' that lets you know before you've even asked! How was the E5?". There was no way this guy, this frustratingly inspirational and unassuming guy, was going to turn this back around on us. I reckon if there's ever one time in your life you could justifiably toot your own horn it's when you've done The Big Issue. Hell, I'd be shouting 'I'VE CLIMBED THE BIIIIIGG ISSSUEEEEEE' from the highest rooftops, or the St. Govans Inn, whichever was closest. Anyway, Ali - you are my hero. Never change.
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