Newbury man conquers Everest on 60th anniversary

Only an estimated 2,500 people have accomplished the feat since Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay became the first to scale its 29,035 foot peak six decades ago.
But now, sixty years after that historic event, 29-year-old Sam Lipscombe, of Catherine Road, has managed to reach the top of the world’s most iconic mountain.
He said: “It was really emotional when I got to the top and we all had a fantastic celebration at the British Embassy in Kathmandu afterwards.
“I met the president of Nepal and also Edmund Hilary’s granddaughter. The whole thing was an incredible experience and a very special occasion.”
Despite his elation, Mr Lipscombe admitted the 8,848 metre climb took its toll on his body.
“We got a bit delusional in what they call the death zone – above 8,000 metres. You are starving your body of oxygen and your mind can do some strange things,” he said.
“At one point a climber above me dislodged some ice which hit me but I was so focussed on reaching the top I didn’t feel any pain.
“It wasn’t until I got down I notice the big bruise on my leg. If it had been a boulder I dread to think what might have happened, it could have been a lot more serious.
“Coming down I could see the clouds battering into the mountain in front of me. There were 45 mile per hour winds and they said if it was any stronger we wouldn’t be able to do it.
Mr Lipscombe, who was raising funds for Rett Syndrome, took a 10-week sabbatical from his job as a marketing manager to set off on the 70-day exhibition.
He also left behind his girlfriend, Nicole - something he admits wasn’t easy.
“It was hard being away for that long but she was incredibly supportive as she knew it was something I’ve always wanted to do.
“They have installed phone masts as base camp so fortunately I was able to keep in touch with everyone at home, which made it easier.”
With more tour operators than ever offering people the chance to climb Everest, there has been much criticism and publicity about the length of the queues to reach the summit.
Just last month four people died waiting to reach the top - and Mr Lipscombe says it is a growing problem that needs addressing.
“I was queuing for quite some time – at least 45 minutes by the ladders and then again by the third step and by that time I was starting to get really cold,” he said.
“I wouldn’t want to stop anyone experiencing the feeling of climbing Everest, but unfortunately the queues are becoming a real problem that looks to be getting worse.”