Climber Everest: Fundraising to bring missing Wakefield man home

The partner of a man feared dead after being hit by falling ice on Everest has launched a fundraiser in the hope of “bringing him home to those who love him”.

Daniel Paterson, 39, from Wakefield, and his Nepali guide Pastenji Sherpa, 23, have not been heard from since reaching the summit of the 29,032ft (8,849m) peak on Tuesday as part of a group.

The pair fell on the Tibet side of the mountain after ice collapsed on them near Hillary Step, just below the summit, at about 28,800 feet (8,800 meters).

Beck Woodhead, his partner, said the family was “mobilizing every resource we can to find Dan”.

The men were climbing with guide company 8K Expeditions and had both reached the summit around 04:40 local time.

They were descending the mountain when they and several other climbers were caught in a “sudden ledge fall.”

Company founder Lakpa Sherpa said: “Despite exhaustive search efforts, we regret to confirm that Daniel and Pastenji could not be recovered.”

Mr Paterson, co-owner of Wakefield Crossfit, has been documenting his journey to climb Everest since arriving in the Himalayas in Nepal last month.

His challenge was to help raise money for the family of a gym member who had recently died of cancer.

Mrs Woodhead set up a Gofundme page to raise £150,000 for a search and rescue operation for her partner, a huge Leeds United fan.

She said: “Dan is not just an adventurer; he is a beloved son, brother, partner, friend and a proud co-owner of Wakefield Crossfit.

“He is known for his adventurous spirit, kindness and unwavering dedication to helping others.

“Now it’s our turn to help him. With his passion for Leeds United, we ask this in light of the upcoming play-off final; please help us find him.”

Ms Woodhead explained that she hoped to organize “a search mission with the assistance of a rescue team specializing in search operations in extreme environments”.

The research assistant added: “Running a search and rescue operation on Everest is an incredibly complex and expensive endeavour.

“We are not experts in this and there is no guarantee of success.”

Less than 24 hours after being set up, the page has so far raised more than £80,000 and has been widely shared.

Pastenji Sherpa has been described as a “dedicated mountaineer from his youth” who has climbed Everest twice.

He added: “His warm spirit, kindness and outstanding expertise made him one of the top guides at 8K Expeditions.”

Mr Paterson was described as “equally dedicated to climbing, known for his robust form, uplifting positivity and strong determination”.

“He has successfully summited Island Peak and Amadablam previously and tackled Everest with intense training and determination.”