Jeremy Wilson, founder of Lakeland Climbing Centres, has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his 30 years of dedication to rock climbing.
Wilson, from Windermere, was among several Cumbrians honoured in HM The King’s 2025 Birthday Honours list.
He opened the first Lakeland Climbing Centre in Kendal in 1995. Since then, the organisation has expanded to locations in Lancaster, Preston, and London.
Wilson said, “I haven’t fully taken in this news yet, but I am very proud and honoured to receive this recognition. However, I see it not just as a personal award, but as a tribute to the incredible work of many people I have worked with over the past 30 years at Lakeland Climbing Centres and other locations across the country.”
His passion for climbing also inspired him to create the Lakeland Climbing Foundation. This foundation works to educate people nationwide about the benefits of climbing.
Reflecting on his journey, Wilson acknowledged key colleagues, saying, “I want to thank Kate Phillips, who helped establish Kendal Wall in its early days, and Tom Hull, who has led our London walls with dedication and vision for 12 years.”
He added, “Climbing has been a lifelong passion for me. I have always wanted to share it with as many people as possible. It is an amazing sport in many ways. Some of my best memories come from time spent on the wall or out on the crags with good friends, going back to my teenage years.”
Raised in the Lake District, Wilson’s love of the outdoors led him to help transform the Old Creamery in Kendal in 1995.
This site has become one of the UK’s premier climbing destinations.
“Today, I am proud that through our 16 centres, and with the support of The Depot Climbing Walls—where I am a partner—we welcome over 8,000 people every day who are discovering or deepening their love of climbing,” he said. “That is the greatest reward for me.”