This Man Just Became the First Cancer Patient to Conquer Mount Everest

Ian Toothill is thought to be the first person with cancer to reach Everest summit.

Photograph courtesy of Ian Toothill/Facebook

In the words of famous Brazilian author, Paulo Coelho, “people are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” London resident Ian Toothill proved just the same, by becoming the first cancer patient to climb Everest. The 47-year-old reached the summit of the world’s highest mountain on Monday, June 5.

About the expedition

Toothill was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June 2015. In early 2016, doctors told him that he was in remission and added that he has only a few months left to live. Two years on, the British man has created history, by scaling the world’s highest peak that is 8,848 metres above sea level.

“I’m determined to prove anything is possible,” he said during an interview with BBC Radio Sheffield, in February.

Toothill documented the entire adventure on his Facebook page, Climbing Everest for Cancer. During the expedition, he shared with his followers that he had lost 10% of his body weight and that had been on antibiotics twice for illnesses, amongst various other personal challenges that he had to face because of cancer.

“For those who suffer daily because of cancer, I climb for you,” the adventure enthusiast told his followers via his Facebook page.

He reached the top of the North Col route, a sharp-edged pass connecting Everest and Tibetan mountain of Changtse, on 16th May and finally the summit of Everest on 5th June.

Toothill, who is a Sheffield Wednesday fan, planted a flag for rival team Sheffield United on the mountain top, to thank a friend who donated £1,000 to support the cause.

His stunning mountaineering feat managed to raise over £38,000, with a goal of £250,000. According to Toothill’s fundraising page, the first £29,275 raised was used to fund the expedition and the rest was donated to Macmillan Cancer Support charity.

An inspiration for other cancer sufferers

Toothill wrote on his GoFundMe page that no one with cancer has ever reached the summit of Mount Everest before. The mountaineer added that he’s determined to prove that anything is possible, no matter what one’s situation is. He shared that climbing Everest was his childhood dream and he hopes to inspire other cancer patients to fulfill their dreams and achieve their life goals, whether it’s finishing a book, taking a dream trip or learning a new skill.

The adventure seeker further wrote that he had always been passionate about adventure and discovering new challenges. The ex-military man added that he has, previously, climbed in the Himalayas for three months. What’s more, he has also walked across Iceland, solo and unsupported.