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Report 10

Mount Everest success for asthmatic Mogens Jensen

24 May 2007

Mogens Jensen, the Danish asthmatic sponsored by GSK in 2006 for his attempt to climb to the summit of Mount Everest, has succeeded in his bid to reach the peak in May 2007.

In near-perfect conditions, it was Mogens' third attempt to become the first asthmatic to scale the world's highest mountain without the use of additional oxygen.

"On Tuesday of this week, at 0630, I stood on the summit of Mount Everest. I had finally reached my goal and spent 30 minutes on the roof of the world with my sherpa Dorje Sonam Gyaltsen," says Mogens.

He was forced to use some oxygen as he neared the peak: "I had to use it to get there because my asthma was playing tricks on me - there was no way I could have summited without breathing with what felt like one lung," he says.

"I am totally happy - I have reached my goal. For sure, it was one of the greatest moments of my life. In such clear weather it was the most stunning view I've experienced - it's no wonder they call it the theatre of dreams."

Report 9

A bolt of lightning – and I plod down the hill again

27 May 2006

Well, the summit will have to wait another year before I can stand on it.

My second attempt to reach the summit was cut short just 100m before Camp 2 at 7,500m when I was again hit by a bolt of lightning – acute mountain sickness – that left vomiting, with vertigo and a loss of balance.

My only choice was to turn my size 47 boots around and, with a crying heart, plod down the hill again. Needless to say I am rather disappointed, especially since I had been feeling extremely strong throughout most of the expedition.

I performed way beyond my expectations – that is one of the positive things this year. Ironically, I had the reputation of being the strongest non-sherpa of all the expeditions. Not bad going for an asthmatic. However, no summit for me this time.

Will I be back? Of course I will, climbing the highest mountain in the world without additional oxygen. It's a challenge that I remain convinced I can meet. It's just taking a little longer than anticipated…

In a sense, I actually think Everest saved me this year, since 2006 has turned out to be something of a disaster because of too many deaths. I met and spoke to a couple of climbers who went up and never got down – one of them the Swedish skier. We all know it's risky business, of course, but no one comes here to die. So when it happens to someone you've met or know it hits you like a truck.

I am now back in Kathmandu. I want to thank all my sponsors, including GSK, for their great support, my fiance Camilla, family and all my friends. I hope you will join me again next year. It will be third time lucky for me, maybe. It must be my turn to get a little bit of luck. It's all I need.

High spirits,

Mogens

8 April 2006:  Mogens arrives at Everest Base Camp.
Read Report 1

14 April 2006:  Puja blessings and the readying for the climb.
Read Report 2

24 April 2006:  At the foot of "Big E" - Advanced Base Camp.
Read Report 3

29 April 2006:  On fire for the fight of each step.
Read Report 4

6 May 2006:  The waiting game begins.
Read Report 5

9 May 2006:  It's a go: I'm heading for summit.
Read Report 6

15 May 2006: My best shot - but I did not reach the summit.
Read Report 7

22 May 2006: I'm off on another summit bid.
Read Report 8

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