Hundreds of Kiwis are expected to take part in the Himalayan Trust Summit Challenge this month, but for George Hillary, the fundraiser is personal.

He’s grown up seeing his grandfather being rather famous and adorning the five-dollar note, and this year he’ll put his body to the test in the Himalayas to raise money for Sir Ed’s legacy. 

“Any challenge that gets people to be active and push themselves is something that I’m keen to be a part of,” Hillary said. “What an awesome opportunity to do that whilst raising money for a great cause as well.”

The Summit Challenge invites participants to climb, hike or cycle the height of Mt Everest – 8848m – over 31 days to raise money for education and health projects in Nepal – one of the poorest countries in the world. 

Hillary says his grandfather would be proud of what the Summit Challenge has achieved  for the country.

“He was a no-fuss sort of guy, but his work in Nepal was a pretty big deal to him. I think he would be thrilled to see all the positive work still taking place in Nepal,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see how Ed’s example continues to inspire people in New Zealand and around the world and brings people together with the goal of making the world a better place for the next generation.”

Hillary intends to gain most of his climbing metres on a trip to the Himalayan mountains.

The Summit Challenge was inspired by New Plymouth engineer Hasely Lobb, who climbed the height of Mt Everest over one month in 2017 to raise money for Nepal, after visiting the country on his OE.

The Himalayan Trust came aboard in 2018, transforming it into an annual fundraising event.

Register for the Summit Challange at the Himalayan Trust website.