Ben Fogle Has Reached The Summit Of Everest In Memory Of His Stillborn Son

Ben Fogle is no stranger to a challenge. He made his name by volunteering to live on a remote Scottish island as part of Castaway 2000, and has subsequently forged a career by making TV shows in some of the most extreme places on Earth.

Now, he might have completed his toughest challenge yet.

Fogle is celebrating after reaching the summit of Mount Everest as part of a charity fundraiser for the British Red Cross, and as the Metro reports, an emotional speech saw him dedicate the milestone to the memory of his stillborn son, Willem.

"It has been an extraordinary journey to achieve a childhood dream to summit Mount Everest," he told media after the gruelling challenge.

"To do so safely and successfully with my guide Kenton Cool, and our incredible Sherpa team including Siddhi Tamang. I also could not have done it without the support of my family, and my team-mate Victoria Pendleton."

This from a man who's previously rowed across the Atlantic, completed a six-day marathon, raced across Antartica, biked over the Rocky Mountains, cycled a rickshaw from Edinburgh to London... well, you get the point. He's a tough cookie.

Instagram/Ben Fogle

He embarked upon the climb with former Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton, though she was forced to quit after she fell ill.

They began the climb back in April and have taken almost a month to reach the summit, but Pendleton abandoned on 4 May after doctors deemed her too ill to continue."

"Unfortunately after much deliberation I have decided not to continue my endeavour to summit Mount Everest," she posted on Instagram.

Instagram/Victoria Pendleton

"The weather conditions have offered the possibility of an early summit bid, as a consequence I have been unable to adhere to the prescribed rotation program and keep pace with the team without causing concern regarding my health at the higher camps, due to my lack of adaptation to the extreme altitude."

Fogle soldiered on and made the summit yesterday. He will now be able to return home in time for his daughter's birthday, which is on 26 May.

Embarking on the journey, he posted on Twitter:

Good man yourself Ben - and if you rush back you might make the Royal Wedding as well.

Topics: UK News, Celebrity, Inspirational

Mike Wood

Mike Meehall Wood is a freelance journalist and translator. He writes for LADbible, VICE and countless sports publications, focusing on rugby league, football and boxing. He is a graduate of Leeds University and maintains a fizzy pop obsession. Contact Mike at [email protected]