Meet the explorers who found a different type of wealth
The San Miguel Rich List is inspired by San Miguel’s history of exploration – but some go further afield than others. Could you join them?
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There’s a truly adventurous nature to these kindred spirits: a willingness to travel wherever life takes them in order to unearth a different kind of wealth, rather than simply the pursuit of money. Do you, or someone you know, have a similar thirst to join the San Miguel Rich List this year?
Miles Hilton-Barber, sensory explorer
“I love the idea of alternative richness, because family, friends, and a sense of humour are what really matter,” says Miles (pictured above) , who went blind at 21 and admits he had a “victim mentality” until he was 50. “But I turned things around. I’m happier now than when I could see.” His CV of adventure since getting active is remarkable: he’s pulled a sled through Antarctica, run the Marathon des Sables, flown a microlight, and participated in power boating, scuba-diving and motor racing, setting several world records. “The key to a happy life is not circumstances, but your response,” he claims. “It was time for me to stop being a wimp. My achievements have given me such pleasure. I can’t see the view from Kilimanjaro, but I can feel the wind on my cheeks.”
Topher White, rainforest technologist
Topher White was volunteering at an Indonesia gibbon refuge when he had a breakthrough. “I saw the frustrations of the guards, who were spending half their resources warding off illegal loggers,” he says. “It got me thinking about how phones can pick up the sound of chainsaws.” The result was the Rainforest Connection: an app that allows anyone to dial into a network of endangered areas. An added benefit is that the network is made up of old, discarded phones which would otherwise be heading for landfill. “There are some great ways to fight climate change, but the best one is to preserve the rainforest,” he says. “Doing that is going to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than anything. I feel so lucky to be doing this work. The idea of trying to socially hack into the good nature of people is really rewarding.”
Belinda Kirk, social explorer
“I worry that society isn’t set up for adventures,” says Belinda Kirk (above centre), who has walked across Nicaragua, searched for camels in China’s ‘Desert of Death’, and was part of the first female crew to row non-stop around Britain. “We’re disconnected from nature, and people aren’t getting out enough.” Kirk has thus devoted herself to get people to taking that first step into new challenges – even if it’s just camping in your garden. “Your most important expedition is always the first one, and you don’t need to spend a lot to reap the rewards.” Her Wild Night Out, a national day of adventure, has since made a huge impact. “There’s an explorer in everyone,” she claims. “We just all have to find our own Everest.”
The search has started for the San Miguel Rich List 2018. San Miguel is looking for a new group of inspirational people who lead rich, rewarding lives. If you, or someone you know, shares a thirst for discovery, creativity or new experiences, nominate them, or yourself, here
San Miguel is a brand of exploration and discovery. Join the conversation at #findyourrich
Terms & Conditions: UK residents, 18+ to nominate, 25+ to feature. 1-4 Rich List places available. Promotion closes 23:59 10 June 2018. To see full T&Cs visit Standard.co.uk/RL2018
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