Fundraiser launched for Everest Sherpa who survived six days alone on the mountain
Campaign for Hillary Dawa Sherpa crosses initial target as supporters rally to aid veteran guide recovering in Kathmandu after extreme Everest ordeal
PC: Ngnima Nagati Sherpa
A fundraising campaign has been launched for Hillary Dawa Sherpa, the 57-year-old guide who survived nearly six days alone on Mount Everest.
The GoFundMe page had raised $13,987 as of 10:53 am on June 7. Organizers say the goal is to ensure the veteran mountain worker "will never have to put his life in danger again," particularly after the ordeal he has endured.
The fundraiser crossed its first target of £11,000 on June 6 and is now aiming for £18,000.
"This is the much called for fundraising page for Hillary Dawa Sherpa and his family," organizer Stephen Sellman wrote. The campaign has the blessings of Dawa's family, including Nuru Sherpa, the brother of Dawa's wife, and his daughter Mendo Lhamu Sherpa, a co-organizer.
"Hillary's family and myself thank you for your kind donations," Sellman added.
Donors can also contribute through The Juniper Fund, which supports Himalayan mountain workers and their communities.
Sellman thanked donors and those who helped amplify the campaign. "Your generosity is humbling," he wrote on June 6. "Please continue to share far and wide so we can reach our next target of £18,000."
He also acknowledged social media influencers Ben Ayers and Michelle from Michelle.vs.Humanity for broadening the campaign's reach. "It's clear that the funds you have donated will be incredibly important to Hillary Dawa Sherpa and his family going forward," he said.
Dawa, who was presumed dead after a helicopter search up to Camp III failed to locate him, was found crawling out of the Khumbu Glacier. He said he survived by eating chocolates found in his pockets. For two days, there was nothing to eat except ice.
He is now recovering at HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu, having been transferred from the intensive care unit to the general ward.“He is recovering, but I am not sure he will fully recover,” said his wife, Damu Sherpa. “Doctors say he has fractured bones around the thigh area. He cannot sit, and it takes four people to move him.”
The family says they are now worried about their livelihood and their daughter’s education following the ordeal. Dawa is the sole breadwinner of the household; their daughter has recently completed her Secondary Education Examination (SEE) and hopes to continue her studies.
The fundraiser remained active as of Sunday morning.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-all-to-hillary-dawa-sherpa-and-his-family
