Mount Everest climb was tough but satisfying for Rutland adventurer Julian Evans
An adventurer is thrilled and relieved to have successfully climbed Mount Everest during one of its most deadly seasons.
Julian Evans, of Great Easton, reached the summit after surviving storms, minus 45 degree temperatures and congestion on the mountain.
Eleven people have died this year tackling the 8,848 metre climb.
Julian reached the summit last Thursday (May 23) at 12.35am.
He was guided by Sean James and the expedition group’s lead Sherpa Lakpa, which ensured safe passage for the team in the face of extreme conditions and a tight summit window due to low air pressure resulting in congestion towards the summit of circa 120 climbers.
Julian said: “I am thrilled to complete such an epic expedition of Mount Everest following intense preparation and training, in addition to a torrid and difficult summit night where we experienced severe conditions and were pushed to our very limit.
“Throughout the expedition we were brilliantly guided by Sean James and Lakpa, and we are pleased to be back at Base Camp with our team, alive and well. However, the death zone was incredibly nerve-wracking and there were sadly fatal casualties, with our thoughts going to the families of those who lost their lives, including a lost kindred spirit from a close associate team.
“Despite the difficult conditions, it is incredibly satisfying and a great adventure to conquer some of the world's greatest exploration challenges whilst raising money for worthy causes.
"I have a personal mission to complete the True Adventurers Grand Slam and am pleased to be one step closer to completing it having finished this epic challenge whilst raising money for The Matt Hampson Foundation, a wonderful charity that carries out fantastic work, and of which I am a long-term supporter.”
The challenge sees competitors climb the highest mountain in each continent and reach the north and south poles.
Julian only has Aconcagua in Argentina and Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia left to conquer.
