Jesse Dufton – first blind person to lead climb the Old Man of Hoy

Jesse Dufton is a blind rock climber. He’s best known as the first blind person to lead climb the Old Man of Hoy. The focus of Alastair Lee’s multi award winning documentary “Climbing Blind”. Has been recognised as a Guinness World Record.

Jesse has a generic condition, Rod-cone dystrophy. He was born with approximately 20% of central vision with large blind spots. From this drastically very low baseline Jesse Dufton’s vision has further deteriorated. He can now only distinguish between light and dark in an extremely restricted view.

The Old Man of Hoy is however is a part of the extensive roster of hard rock a.k.a “trad”. As well as this, he is also the first blind person to claim 1st ascents in the Arctic. A world class competition climber representing the GB Paraclimbing team.

Jesse Dufton has climbed all his life, he became aware of Paraclimbing as a competitive sport in September 2017. Following his selection to the British team in early 2018, he has trained hard. Providing a dividend for his outside adventures. As his eyesight deteriorates , his climbing just gets stronger. Jesse has won multiple international medals on the world stage.

In August 2020, Jesse  non-sighted his first E2! The ultra classic Don Whillans route at Heptonstall, Forked Lightning Crack.