Melinda Oogjes

Renowned climber Paul Pritchard returns to Tasmania's notorious Totem Pole to tackle the climb that nearly killed him eighteen years earlier and left him partially paralysed with a massive head injury. When Paul Pritchard returned to Tasmania's majestic Totem Pole rock pillar three months ago it was the culmination of an 18-year journey. The former professional climber and writer suffered a massive injury in 1998 when his rope dislodged a large rock, which fell on his head. He was saved by the actions of his former girlfriend who hauled him 30 metres up to a ledge before running for help. In a second stroke of luck, the paramedic on duty that day was also a climber. Neale Smith's decision to short-circuit a cliff rescue and abseil with Paul down to a waiting boat almost certainly saved his life.