PARA on top of the World

On Thursday 23 May 2019, ex-PARA Martin Hewitt reached the summit of the World’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.

Martin is part of the Adaptive Grand Slam team who are attempting to become the first disabled team to climb the 7 highest peaks in the World as well as reaching the North and South Poles. The team have learnt to climb using modified techniques and equipment in order to take on the world’s most challenging mountains. This May, it was time to conquer Everest.

As well as reaching the summit, the team had hoped to raise £1 for every metre the mountain is high. They still have a way to go towards their target, but you can sponsor them here.

The Everest team first attempted to reach the summit in 2012 with Walking With The Wounded. Disappointingly the expedition was called off due to bad weather and extreme danger on the slopes but the team were hopeful for better conditions this year.

Joining Martin for most of the expedition was another ex-PARA, Terry Byrne. Martin & Terry were both wounded on operations in Afghanistan whilst serving with The Parachute Regiment. Unfortunately Terry began struggling with his injury and despite upping his medication to help with inflammation and pain, the decision was made for him to return home after he was unable to wear his prosthetic leg. This came after two weeks of Terry dealing with the pain and despite him knowing it was the best decision, it was a bitter pill to swallow considering the training and dedication he had put in for this attempt.

We are sure that Terry will be joining us when we say a huge Congratulations to Martin for reaching the summit of Mount Everest. This is a remarkable achievement and one that we and The Parachute Regiment are incredibly proud of. Once a Para, always a Para.