SA man scales Everest
2005-06-02 11:26
Cape Town - A Cape Town businessman, 40-year-old Tony van Marken, has reached the summit of Mount Everest in the early hours of Thursday morning, the Children's Hospital Trust said in a statement.
Van Marken climbed Everest to raise awareness for The Children's Hospital Trust, the fundraising arm of The Red Cross Children's Hospital.
The 40-year-old departed for Kathmandu, Nepal on March 28 and reached the summit 67 days after arriving at Base Camp. As part of his journey Van Marken placed the flag and mascot of The Children's Hospital Trust on the summit of Everest.
Van Marken is an experienced climber who climbed Everest from the traditional south side, the route originally taken by Edmund Hillary. He has climbed around the world and has now completed his personal quest to climb the world's seven continental summits.
Van Marken's summit attempt was not without its pitfalls. By day 62 he had developed an abscess in his lower left molar and after consulting his dentist via satellite phone, he was placed on a course of antibiotics and painkillers.
Unless there was a drastic improvement combined with improving weather conditions, he could have been forced to leave the expedition.
However, Van Marken's condition improved, the weather abated and the Alpine Ascent International team enjoyed clear skies and light winds - ideal conditions for reaching the summit. The team will start their final descent to Base Camp over the next two days.
In addition to raising awareness for The Red Cross Children's Hospital, Van Marken has been raising funds from corporates and individuals.
He has personally donated R1 for each metre of the maximum altitude he reached on the climb. The height of Everest is 8.850m. He is challenging corporates and the public to match his contribution.
To donate towards this cause visit www.kidzhospital.co.za and click on "How to give" and select the "Everest Summit" project or call The Children's Hospital Trust on (021) 686 7860.