Grandad-of-five breaks record to become oldest Brit to climb Everest

The grandad-of-five managed to accomplished expedition (Image: Jam Press/Luis Stizinger/Kunga Sherpa)

Graham Keene, from Exeter, is now a world report holder.

The 68-year-old grandad has change into the oldest particular person in Britain to succeed in the summit of Mount Everest – finishing the 29,000 ft mountain expedition in simply 16 days.

Graham, a grandfather-of-five, has now overtaken the earlier report holder Sir Ranulph Fiennes – who was 65 when he reached the height in 2009.

‘It was an impressive feeling,’ the 68-year-old stated.

‘There was a number of anticipation about what was to return. The climate, the staff, my physique – however I used to be simply blissful to be again within the mountains with nice individuals.

‘We spent an evening every in 4 camps. On summit evening, we left the final camp at 8:30pm, arriving on the summit the next morning.

‘We spent thirty minutes on the prime of the height.

‘[Breaking the record] wasn’t one thing I used to be centered on earlier than the expedition, however I hope it may possibly encourage extra golden adventurers.’

Virtually there (Image: Jam Press/Luis Stizinger/Kunga Sherpa)

In motion (Image: Jam Press/Luis Stizinger/Kunga Sherpa)

Graham’s efforts have led him to safe a spot on the High 20 Profitable Oldest Climbers.

The grandad developed a ardour for expeditions after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 1998 together with his two sons, Ben and Daniel.

In 2004, he climbed the best level in South America, in Aconcagua, and since retiring he’s additionally tackled Mount Vinson in Antarctica and Cotapaxi in Ecuador.

Then, in 2018, he got here near finishing his first 26,000 ft peak – however an absence of guides available to assist meant he did not do it.

Nicely achieved Graham (Image: Jam Press/Luis Stizinger/Kunga Sherpa)

However this didn’t cease Graham’s dedication. As an alternative, he knew he wanted a unique strategy and, after coaching all through the pandemic, he felt able to take it on.

As preparation, the 68-year-old acclimatised at residence, by sleeping in a hypoxic tent.

He used a machine to take away oxygen from his tent that was dialled-up to greater altitudes every evening, to assist acclimatise him to the thinner air of the Himalayas.

But it surely’s clear his efforts paid off and Graham reached the summit at 6:30am on Might 13.

Upon reaching it, he unveiled an Exeter Chiefs rugby flag and photos of his grandchildren to have a good time.