British Everest climber’s desperate plea missed by partner as she seeks to grow…

May 24, 2024, 12:40 p.m

The partner of a British climber who went missing on Mount Everest has launched a desperate bid to find him – but must raise £150,000 to do it.

Rebecca Woodhead’s partner Daniel Paul Paterson, a 40-year-old personal trainer from Wakefield, disappeared in the early hours of Tuesday morning with his Pas Tenji Sherpa guide after they reached the summit.

As they descended Hillary Step again, near the summit, they were hit by a wall of ice and swept away.

Ms Woodhead said the fact that Mr Paterson even made it to the summit was “a testament to his strength and determination”.

Now it wants to find him, employing specialized search teams, using helicopter flights to conduct aerial searches, as well as establishing the necessary communication, coordination, logistical support and supply.

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She said it would cost around £150,000 and launched a fundraiser. More than half of that figure had been donated as of noon Friday.

“Time is of the essence in a situation like this and we are mobilizing all the resources we can,” she said.

Ms Woodhead said her partner was “not just an adventurer” but “a loving son, brother, partner, friend and a proud co-owner of Wakefield Crossfit”.

She added that he is “known for his adventurous spirit, kindness and unwavering dedication to helping others.”

Ms Woodhead also said she was “immensely grateful for any support you can provide at this critical time”.

Mr Paterson and his guide were part of a team of 15 climbers led by Bolivian climber David Hugo Ayaviri Quispe with 8K Expeditions.

A Sherpa spokesman for the company said earlier this week: “Two of our brave team members, Mr Daniel Paul Paterson (UK) and Mr Pastenji Sherpa (Nepal), are missing.

“Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred between Summit Ridge and South Summit and some climbers were swept up the Kangshung Face.”

Three climbers were rescued after being hit by ice, but the exact number of people missing has yet to be confirmed.

The company added that rescuers were looking for Mr Paterson and Pas Tenji Sherpa.

“They are working tirelessly to find our missing climbers,” they said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time.”

Mr Paterson walked Everest as part of a fundraiser for the family of Jenni Muston, a member of his gym who died of cancer in January.

He posted several photos of himself in the Himalayas, including one with the caption: “looking forward to a summit window.”

He also wrote approvingly of Everest Base Camp, calling it “a logistical base camp” and “literally a mini city at 5,364m.”

“Porters, mules, yaks and helicopters bring everything to this tent city, which caters to everyone who stays here,” he added.

The disappearance of Mr Paterson and Pas Tenji Sherpa comes less than two weeks after two Mongolian climbers died on Everest.

Usukhjargal Tsedendamba, 53, and Purevsuren Lkhagvajav, 31, disappeared after climbing without the help of guides. They had reached the summit before disappearing, and their bodies were both found at separate heights of more than 8,000 meters.

Everest has become overcrowded in recent years, with some experienced climbers warning that having so many people on the mountain has contributed to an increase in deaths.

About 18 people died last year, the worst year on record. In total, around 330 people have died since 1922.

Nepalese authorities have tried to stem the tide of deaths by restricting the number of permits offered this year.