The Family That Conquered Everest

Book excerpt: A fast-paced and engaging story that takes the reader on a remarkable family journey from the flatlands of suburbia to the top of the world. Climbing Mount Everest is one of humanity's greatest feats of physical, emotional and psychological endurance. In 2008 Alan Mallory and his family took on the challenge and became the first family of four to set foot on the summit of the world's highest peak. It was a two-month journey filled with emotion, loyalty, adventure and terror. From staggering across ladders spanning seemingly bottomless crevasses and fighting exhausting bouts of altitude-related sickness to climbing through a blizzard in the dead of night and almost losing two family members' lives, every segment of the climb was an exhilarating and unforgettable challenge. This particular expedition is a fantastic example of the importance of strong family values and maintaining a deep level of trust between team members. The story highlights many of the background experiences and adventures that prepared the Mallorys to take on such a challenge, and explores the key traits that are essential for a safe and successful outcome to any team endeavour.