British climber back home after record-breaking 16th Everest summit
Kenton Cool, 48, was met by his family at Heathrow after recording the most climbs of any non-Sherpa.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A British mountaineer who was once told he would never walk again unaided has been greeted by his family as he arrived back in the country following a record-breaking climb of Mount Everest.
Kenton Cool, 48, from Gloucestershire, arrived at Heathrow Airport on Friday evening a few days after after having reached the peak for a 16th time – more than any other non-Sherpa.
Mr Cool made the 8,849-metre summit of the world’s tallest mountain at 4.30am on May 15, alongside British fitness entrepreneur Rebecca Louise, who was completing the feat for the first time.
He was greeted at Heathrow by wife Jazz and their two children – Saffron, 12, and Willoughby, nine.
The record comes despite a warning he would never walk again unaided after he shattered both heel bones in a rock-climbing accident in 1996 from which he still suffers chronic pain.
“This was after one of the most spectacular climbs I’ve had on Everest,” Mr Cool told his 51,000 followers on Instagram, alongside a picture taken among the Himalayas after completing the ascent.
“The almost full moon, glistening stars and cloudless sky provided the backdrop.
“It’s summit 16 for me, a record of sorts but really it’s not about that, it’s a celebration of team work, dedication and passion.”
Mr Cool previously became the first person to complete the Everest triple crown, scaling Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse in a single push without returning to base camp.
He was also the first British guide to lead a client to the summit of K2, the world’s second tallest mountain.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.