SAFA Skysailor Magazine

14 SKY SAILOR July | August 2022 To put in perspective as to how much climb- ing was involved, base camp sits at 5350m, with camp one peaking at 6100m, camp two 6400m, camp three 7200m and camp four – Ken’s planned flight launch location – at 8000m. Ken continued on for as long as he could, but was eventually told by doctors to discon- tinue the climb with the infection becoming life-threatening and the lack of oxygen restrict- ing him from making a full recovery. While he may not have achieved his para- gliding goal this time round, three of his fellow climbers took the message to the peak of the summit with the End Polio Now flag. He raised an incredible amount of money and managed to obtain the world’s first permit to fly legally from Mt Everest, opening up the Everest region for paragliding, something that has not been legal in the past. It’s not all over for Ken just yet, as he has been offered another permit from the Nepali Government for next season to attempt the momentous flight off the mountain. But for Ken to be able to make the attempt again and continue raising funds for polio eradication, he will need sponsors to help cover the high costs that come with it. “It is an expensive trip and includes several costs involving civil aviation, the government of Nepal, Everest National Park and the Ministry for Tourism,” he said. I am disappointed that I couldn’t do the flight but I’m pleased about how much money and awareness has been raised for ‘End Polio Now’ with a lot of publicity and thousands of new fol- lowers and supporters online. It’s gnawing at me to go back because I know it is very achievable, we came so close, and that I can get it done.” Joe Carter, an adventure film producer from Queensland University of Technology, accompanied the expedition and is continuing to make a documentary on the expedition. Ken received incredible support from the community with special mention to Rotary Clubs with donations of over $60,000, and also the NSW Hang Gliding and Paragliding Associ- ation for a very significant financial donation towards polio eradication. “The support I re- ceived from fellow Stanwell Park Club pilots and pilots everywhere was overwhelming” Ken said. All donations are matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at 2:1 effectively tripling donations, making a huge difference in the eradication of polio around the world. For more information about Ken and his quest to end polio, visit www.flyfromeverest.org Ken Hutt’s incredible expedition to ‘End Polio Now’ raises $300,000…