240 days and 19 countries later – Ex-Royal Marine completes Everest from sea level
Two hundred and forty days, 19 countries, and thousands of kilometres later – former Royal Marine Mitch Hutchcraft has completed the longest climb of Mount Everest in history.
From the shores of the UK to the top of the world, he says it was "more magical than he could have ever dreamed it would be."
The 240-day challenge included a 35km swim across the channel, a 12,000km cycle through Europe and Asia to India, a 900km run through Nepal, and a 360km trek to Everest base camp.
Speaking from the tallest mountain in the world above sea level, he said: "It's been tough. Really tough. The most difficult thing I've ever done. But I couldn't be happier and more proud of finishing this epic adventure.
"Although I lost my dad 11 years ago, he was with me every step of the way."
Through the challenge, which he has named Project Limitless, Mitch is hoping to inspire people to push themselves outside the boundaries of what they individually believe to be impossible.
Stan Gaskell, from Blue Door Productions, explained to BFBS Forces News that Mitch is raising money for SAVSIM, a non-profit organisation centred around wildlife conservation, dedicated to providing mental health support to veterans and others suffering from PTSD and similar issues.
"The 31-year-old faced the sudden loss of his father at age 20, which was the driving force behind his decision to join the Royal Marines."
"Completing the expedition has been a monumental effort for Mitch, who had once been told a full knee reconstruction would make it impossible [for him] to even join the military, let alone complete a challenge of this magnitude.
"He proved them wrong, serving for six years before leaving the military in 2021 to pursue new challenges because his desire for adventures was overwhelming."
Mitch and his climb team are healthy and safe and still on the mountain descending back to base camp.
The former Royal Marine said "it's been one hell of a journey", the result of years of planning and preparation.
"This has been the most painful, but fulfilling, adventure. I just want it to inspire others to believe that whatever they're dreaming, however small, they just need to get out there and smash it."
This isn't Mitch's first epic adventure – in the last few years, he has rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, cycled 5,000 km across North America and climbed some of the most beautiful and challenging mountains in the world – then Project Limitless was born.
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