A former Royal Marine has completed an extraordinary feat, reaching the summit of Mount Everest after swimming, cycling, and running more than 8,000 miles as part of an incredible 240-day challenge.
Mitch Hutchcraft, 31, from Ramsey in Cambridgeshire, achieved the milestone at 07:30 BST on Sunday, marking the completion of what is said to be the longest-ever ascent of Everest from sea level to summit.
The adventure began on 15 September with Hutchcraft swimming the 35km (21 miles) of the English Channel from Dover, before embarking on a colossal journey that would take him across continents and through extreme physical tests.
He cycled nearly 12,000 km (7,456 miles) from Europe to Digha in India, followed by a 900km (559 miles) run to Kathmandu in Nepal, and a 360km (223 miles) trek to Everest’s base camp.
Speaking after reaching the summit, Hutchcraft described the accomplishment as “more magical than I could have ever dreamed.” His voice, filled with emotion, conveyed the magnitude of the challenge.
“Although I lost my dad 11 years ago, he was with me every step of the way,” Hutchcraft said. “It’s been tough. Really tough. The most difficult thing I’ve ever done. But I couldn’t be happier and more proud of finishing this epic adventure.”
The former Royal Marine, who had been told after a knee reconstruction that a career in the military would be impossible, defied the odds to not only complete this monumental challenge but to use it as a platform to raise awareness for causes that are close to his heart.
Hutchcraft has been raising funds for SAVSIM, a wildlife conservation charity dedicated to supporting veterans and those suffering from mental health issues like PTSD.
“To me, this is more than just making history,” Hutchcraft explained. “It’s a chance to raise awareness for mental health in the veteran community and to give back to wildlife conservation, something I hold dear.”
This is not the first time Hutchcraft has taken on incredible challenges. He previously rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean and cycled 5,000km across North America, proving his determination to push physical and mental limits. However, reaching the summit of Everest was a dream he had nurtured since childhood.
“Never in a million years did I think this would be how I’d get here,” he said. “I just want it to inspire others to believe that whatever they’re dreaming, however small, they just need to get out there and smash it.”
Hutchcraft was supported by his guide, Nepalese mountaineer Gelje Sherpa, who played a key role in helping him reach the peak safely. The challenge, known as Project Limitless, was filmed by a production team and is set to be aired in the near future.
This remarkable achievement has inspired many, not only for the physical feat but also for the heart behind it—raising awareness for mental health and conservation, while embodying the resilience of someone who overcame personal hardship to achieve something truly extraordinary.
Hutchcraft’s journey culminates in the return to basecamp, where he was expected to arrive by Monday morning, completing the final leg of an unforgettable adventure.
