Edmund Hillary

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist. On 29 May 1953, Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. They were part of the ninth British expedition to Everest, which was led by John Hunt.

Hillary became interested in mountaineering while in secondary school. He made his first major climb in 1939, reaching the summit of Mount Ollivier. He served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a navigator during World War II.

Beginning in 1960, Hillary devoted himself to assisting the Sherpa people of Nepal through the Himalayan Trust, which he established. His efforts are credited with the construction of many schools and hospitals in Nepal. Hillary had numerous honours conferred upon him, including the Order of the Garter in 1995.

Early life

Edmund Hillary was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on 20 July 1919. His family later moved to Tuakau, where his father became a journalist and beekeeper. Ed went to primary school and then Auckland Grammar School, where he finished early but felt shy and small at first. He grew taller and gained confidence, especially after he took up boxing.

When he was 16, a school trip to Mount Ruapehu sparked his love for climbing. He later joined a tramping club at Auckland University College but stopped his studies after two years. Instead, he worked with his father and brother as a beekeeper. In his free time, he loved climbing mountains. In 1939, he climbed his first major peak, Mount Ollivier, near Aoraki / Mount Cook, making new friends along the way.

World War II

When World War II began, Edmund Hillary tried to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force but decided not to because of his strong beliefs. In 1943, he joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a navigator on Catalina flying boats. He was later sent to Fiji and the Solomon Islands, where he was badly burnt in an accident.

Expeditions

In January 1948, Edmund Hillary and others climbed the south ridge of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. He also helped with a rescue on La Perouse that same year and became friends with fellow climber Norman Hardie.

In 1951, Hillary joined a British reconnaissance expedition to Mount Everest led by Eric Shipton. In 1952, he and George Lowe tried to climb Cho Oyu but faced difficulties. They then crossed into Tibet and reached an old camp on the northern side of Everest.

1953 Everest expedition

Main article: 1953 British Mount Everest expedition

In 1953, Hillary and Sherpa climber Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the top of Mount Everest. Their journey was part of a large British expedition led by John Hunt. The team included many climbers, guides, and helpers who prepared the route and carried supplies.

Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit on May 29, 1953. After their success, they returned to Kathmandu and were honored for their achievement.

After Everest

Hillary continued to climb and explore. He reached the South Pole in 1958, leading a group that traveled overland, a journey not done since 1912. He also climbed other mountains in the Himalayas and took part in many adventures, inspiring others with his spirit of discovery.

Public recognition

Sir Edmund Hillary received many honors for his achievements. In 1953, he was named a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire and received the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal. Later, in 1987, he was appointed to the Order of New Zealand. He also earned awards from France, Nepal, and Poland, including the Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu from the Kingdom of Nepal.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of climbing Mount Everest, Nepal made him an honorary citizen, the first foreign person to receive this honor. Hillary’s picture appears on New Zealand’s $5 note, and he was named New Zealand’s most trusted person in several public polls. He supported many charities, especially those that help young people experience the outdoors.

Personal life

Edmund Hillary married Louise Mary Rose in 1953, and they had three children. Sadly, Louise and one of their daughters passed away in a plane crash in 1975.

In 1989, Hillary married June Mulgrew. His son Peter also became a climber and reached the top of Mount Everest in 1990.

Hillary lived in Auckland and enjoyed reading adventure stories. He also had a special place at the beach where he could relax away from crowds.

Philanthropy

After climbing Mount Everest, Hillary helped the Sherpa people in Nepal. He started the Himalayan Trust in 1960, which built schools and hospitals in that area. He also supported groups working to protect mountain regions around the world.

Political involvement

Hillary supported the Labour Party in New Zealand's election in 1975. Later, he served as New Zealand's High Commissioner to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. He also worked with groups that supported people's rights to make their own choices about healthcare.

Death

Sir Edmund Hillary passed away on 11 January 2008 from heart failure at Auckland City Hospital in New Zealand. He was 88 years old. His death was felt as a big loss by many people in New Zealand.

After his death, many places and events were named to honor him. For example, an airport in Nepal was renamed Tenzing–Hillary Airport. There were also special services and tributes, including one attended by Queen Elizabeth II. Many people in New Zealand and around the world remembered him for his achievements and kind work.

Arms

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary did not hold any official titles or positions that granted him special honors or awards known as "arms."

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