A former Royal Marine has made history by completing the world’s longest sea to summit Everest expedition, conquering the mountain after an epic 8,000-mile journey that included swimming the English Channel, cycling across continents, and running hundreds of miles through Asia.
Mitch Hutchcraft, 31, reached the summit of Mount Everest on Sunday at 07:30 BST, concluding a 240-day challenge that began on 15 September. The extraordinary feat, dubbed “Project Limitless,” is believed to be the longest ascent of Everest ever attempted from sea level.
From the English Channel to the top of the world
Hutchcraft launched his journey by swimming 35km (21 miles) across the English Channel from Dover. He then cycled 12,000km (7,456 miles) through Europe to eastern India before running 900km (559 miles) to Kathmandu. The final leg was a 360km (223-mile) trek to Everest Basecamp, where he began his historic climb.
Originally from Ramsey in Cambridgeshire and now living in Torquay, Devon, Hutchcraft described the summit as “more magical than I could have ever dreamed.” Speaking to his team from the mountain, he said, “It’s been tough. Really tough. The most difficult thing I’ve ever done.”
Inspiring others and honouring a lost father
Hutchcraft dedicated his achievement to his late father, who passed away suddenly when he was 20, and said the memory motivated him throughout the journey. “Although I lost my dad 11 years ago, he was with me every step of the way,” he said.
He added that he hopes his story will inspire others: “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.”
Raising awareness for mental health and wildlife conservation
Project Limitless is also a fundraiser for SAVSIM, a non-profit organisation supporting wildlife conservation and mental health for veterans, particularly those affected by PTSD. Hutchcraft, who served six years in the Royal Marines and overcame a full knee reconstruction, said the challenge was about much more than personal accomplishment.
“This is the chance to raise funds and awareness for an amazing cause very close to my heart—veteran mental health and wildlife conservation.”
His journey is being filmed by a production team and will officially conclude upon his return to Everest Basecamp, expected by Monday morning.
