Mount Everest is a dream for many adventurers
From Dream to Headlines: How Climbing Everest Inspired a Message of Life, Survival, and Helping Others, the Journey, the Story, and the Reach.
Climbing Mount Everest is a dream for many adventurers, and it was no different for me. I had always wanted to climb the world’s highest peak, a challenge I will never achieve due to CRPS. But, my summit changed and so I decided that Everest Base Camp would become my new summit. A goal that is on many people’s bucket lists. I finally got my chance. However, little did I know that my dream would become a big news story that would reach so many people.
I had never considered myself anything special. I was just a regular guy trying to survive in this world. Climbing Everest was my ultimate goal, and I was thrilled to share it with others. However, I was surprised when my story gained so much attention.
I was interviewed by Katherin Skellen
It all started when I shared my journey on social media, talking about my goal to come. I was documenting my progress, posting pictures and videos of my training and preparation. My followers grew, and soon enough, the media took notice, I was picked up by Sudol Media a company based not far from me. I was interviewed by Katherin Skellen and this story was put in front of local newspapers. This gained traction and TV channels like ITV and even the BBC started to show interest. This gave me the chance to share my story and inspire others.
My story was picked up by international news
Then, things took an unexpected turn. My story was picked up by international news outlets, and I found myself in the spotlight in countries I had never even been to let alone anything else. I was even recognized on the mountain by people from foreign lands, who had heard about me through the media.
It was a surreal experience, and I felt like a short-term legend. However, the attention wasn’t just about fame for me. It was an opportunity to spread my message and inspire others, show people that the only true person that should hold you back is the one that looks back at you in the mirror.
PR is crucial
PR is crucial when you want to encourage others and make a difference. The coverage gave me a platform to share my beliefs and values with a larger audience. My goal was to teach others that life is a gift, survival is the biggest challenge, and helping others is the greatest achievement. This comes with a massive responsibility and for me, when you are given a voice you have to share it wisely, make sure the message is clear and always remain honest.
I never forgot my why
Amidst all the attention, I never forgot my why. I stay true to my vision and values, and that’s what matters most to me. Climbing Everest for me was the ultimate life goal, a dream come true. The media coverage was the best tool I could have ever asked for, a way to inspire others and spread my message. I will always do what I can to build on my why.
So what is my true why?
As a suicide survivor, I know more than most about the value of survival, we live in a world surrounded by pressures, negativity, poverty, hardship, pain, and most of all the battle of our own minds. My why is to help shine a torch to others, to show them that there is a way to not only survive but to thrive in a world that if you open your eyes as wide as you can you will see. Amazing people who want to lend you a helping hand, green pastures to allow you to simply be, a space where you can stop and rest and recharge your social batteries. I want people to find faith. Faith in themselves, Faith in those around them, and most of all faith in the fact that they are not alone.
In conclusion
My dream of climbing Everest became a big news story, but it was never about fame. It was about inspiring others and making a difference. My message is simple: cherish life, embrace challenges, and help others. However, the greatest message of all is to always Get Back Up And I hope that my story will continue to inspire others to do the same.
Media
BBC – Everest: Jamie McAnsh to attempt climb on crutches
The Mirror – Brit with debilitating pain condition climbs Mt Everest on crutches in ‘lifelong dream’
South Wales Argus – Man who woke up paralysed to take on Everest for charity
RNZ New Zealand – Welsh man ready to knock Everest off – on crutches
Loop Pacific Global – Welsh Man Ready To Knock Everest Off On Crutches
Qatar Daily – Man to attempt to climb Everest on crutches