A climber and filmmaker who survived two Everest avalanches is set to give a talk in Dunfermline about the benefits of barefoot running. 

Joe French’s talk begins at 7pm on December 4 at Dunfermline High School.

Mr French was about to climb Everest and film a wingsuit/base jump from the summit in 2014 when a serac collapse caused an avalanche in which 16 Sherpas lost their lives in the Khumbu Icefall.

A year later, he narrowly survived the earthquake avalanche that killed 22 people at Base Camp and devastated Nepal.

Back home, his wife was diagnosed with cancer.

The accumulation of grief and stress took its toll, and Mr French turned to his love of the outdoors to help him recover.

Running barefoot through the wild forests and glens near his home became his way to heal and gain peace of mind.

In his talks for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s (RSGS) Inspiring People talks programme, Mr French will share his inspiring journey, and how nature allowed him to find resilience in the face of his personal challenges.

Mr French said: "I feel humbled and honoured to be asked by the RSGS to talk about my experiences of documenting life in extreme environments, and how nature has helped me to heal when tragedy unfolded."

RSGS chief executive Mike Robinson said: "Joe’s adventures in some of the world’s most extreme environments remind us of the connection between people and the planet, but also the inherent risks of the outdoors and potential long-term impacts.

"Joe’s story is one of tragedy but resilience, and how nature can be a great force of healing.

"As a mountaineer myself, I have learned to respect nature, as it has the power to both hurt and heal us.

"We look forward to hearing about his inspiring journey, and the lessons it holds."

RSGS Inspiring People talks are open to all, with tickets free for RSGS members, students and under 18s, and £15 for general admission.

Tickets are available to book online in advance on their website and some may also be available at the door.