Andrew Brash

News

Peak of endeavour
Calgary Sun
May 30, 2006

He may not have summited Mount Everest, but Andrew Brash’s accomplishment should earn him more acclaim than reaching the top of a mere mountain.

Days ago, the world was left shaking its head at the story of a British climber left to die on Everest, while up to 30 others failed to come to his aid in their own quest to get to the top.

A similar scenario almost played out a few days later, when Australian Lincoln Hall was left on the mountain for dead.

But he’s alive today thanks to the efforts of Brash, a 37-year-old Calgary teacher, and his team.

When Hall became ill after being forced to turn back from his ascent, three Sherpas tried to help him before he lost consciousness and was declared dead by his expedition leader.

But Hall was still alive, and after spending an entire night in the cold at 8,700 m, Brash’s party helped launch an operation to save him.

That constituted an almost unprecedented effort by climbers on the north face, according to experienced mountaineers.

Brash must be bitterly disappointed that the rescue attempt shattered his own dreams of reaching the summit.

But in our estimation, he stands far taller than those who merely climbed a mountain.

After all, a steady stream of climbers make their way to the top of Everest these days.

Brash’s accomplishment places him in rarefied air way above this often selfish, self-absorbed crowd.

It’s hard to imagine how those mountaineers who climbed past a dying man without helping him will be able to sleep once the thrill of their ascent to the top wears thin.

Brash, on the other hand will have no such problem.

This is a triumph worth celebrating and we hope Brash receives the recognition his efforts deserve.

If anyone has earned our admiration and respect, it is this man.

At the same time, his disappointment is understandable.

Climbing Everest is a daunting challenge that takes huge financial resources and years of planning.

Wouldn’t it be great if Brash’s unselfish efforts were rewarded by somehow providing him with another crack at the biggest mountain on earth?

That would truly be a happy ending to this larger than life story.

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