Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to summit Mount Everest, passed away on 10 January 2008 after several days in hospital. The New Zealander was 88 years old and had been ill for several weeks.

Hillary and Tenzing Norgay (died 1986) were heroes in the eyes of mountaineers worldwide, myself included. The iconic photograph of Tenzing standing atop Everest (10 May, 1953) is known across the globe, having inspired people from all over world and from all walks of life. Hillary’s work in the Himilaya did not end with his summit. Sir Edmund built several schools and hospitals throughout Nepal and Tibet through the foundation he created.

The man may have passed, but his legacy continues.

Tags: died, Edmund, Everest, Hillary, Summit

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