TRUSTEE HITS A SERIES OF NEW HEIGHTS
A trustee of the Matt Hampson Foundation has completed a full set of climbs to the world’s highest mountain peaks in support of its work.
Julian Evans, a long-time friend and supporter of Matt’s, has taken on a series of physical challenges to raise funds and awareness of the Foundation’s work with young people following life-changing injury.
His latest adventure was to complete summits of the highest peaks in each of the continents, which he did with a trip to Indonesia.
Following a four-and-a-half hour climb during a week-long trip, Julian reached the summit at 4,884 metres above sea level on the Carstenz Pyramid and celebrated by unveiling a Get Busy Living flag in acknowledgement of the Foundation.
“That’s both versions – Bass and Messners – of the seven summits completed,” he said. “I figured if I summited all of them [from each list] then there’s no debate.”
Full list of highest peaks conquered (total 43,543 metres ascent)
- Everest, Asia (8,850 metres)
- Kilimanjaro, Africa (5,895 metres)
- Elbrus, Europe (5,642 metres)
- Denali, North America (6,190 metres)
- Aconcagua, South America (6,962 metres)
- Vinson, Antarctica (4,892 metres)
- Carstensz Pyramid, Oceania (4,884 metres)
- Kosciuszko, Australasia (2,228 metres)
Julian joins an elite group of fewer than 50 British climbers to complete the set among a global total of around 450 climbers.
In 2023, Amazon released ‘Everest for Hambo’, a film charting Julian’s attempt to conquer the world’s highest peak and Matt’s story, was released by Amazon.
The 80-minute film follows the expedition from planning stages to arrival in Nepal and progress on the north col of Mount Everest, sharing the drama and dark humour of approaching human limits and encounters with death and danger during the three-month trip. It also contains views of people central to Matt’s story including his mum and dad, author Paul Kimmage, Prince Harry, rugby legends Jonny Wilkinson and Mike Tindall, and referee Tony Spreadbury who played a key role on the day that changed Matt’s life and its impact on others.
‘Everest for Hambo’ is available to download, rent or buy from Amazon.
