My eyes lifted to the horizon and the unmistakable snowy outline of
Everest.
Everest, the mountain of my childhood dreams. A mountain that has
haunted me my whole life. A mountain I have seen hundreds of times in
photographs and films but never in real life.
In April 2018, seasoned adventurer Ben Fogle and Olympic cycling gold
medallist Victoria Pendleton, along with mountaineer Kenton Cool, took
on their most exhausting challenge yet - climbing Everest for the
British Red Cross to highlight the environmental challenges mountains
face. It would be harrowing and exhilarating in equal measure as they
walked the fine line between life and death 8,000 metres above sea
level.
For Ben, the seven-week expedition into the death zone was to become the
adventure of a lifetime, as well as a humbling and enlightening journey.
For his wife Marina, holding the family together at home, it was an
agonising wait for news. Together, they dedicated the experience to
their son, Willem Fogle, stillborn at eight months.
Cradling little Willem to say goodbye, Ben and Marina made a promise to
live brightly. To embrace every day. To always smile. To be positive and
to inspire. And from the depths of their grief and dedication, Ben's
Everest dream was born.
Up, from here the only way was Up.
Part memoir, part thrilling adventure, Ben and Marina's account of his
ascent to the roof of the world is told with their signature humour and
warmth, as well as with profound compassion.
