Edmund
Hillary

Sir Edmund Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist, best known for being one of the first two individuals confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Born on July 20, 1919, in Auckland, New Zealand, Hillary's passion for climbing began at an early age when he joined a school trip to Mount Ruapehu. His love for the mountains only grew from there, leading him to numerous expeditions in the Alps and the Himalayas before attempting Everest.

On May 29, 1953, Hillary and his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay, reached the summit of Mount Everest as part of a British expedition led by John Hunt. Their successful ascent made them worldwide heroes and earned Hillary a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. Despite his fame from conquering Everest, Hillary remained modest and dedicated much of his life to philanthropic work, particularly in Nepal where he helped establish schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure projects with the Himalayan Trust. He also continued to explore and lead expeditions to remote regions, including the South Pole and the Ganges River, demonstrating his enduring passion for adventure and discovery. Sir Edmund Hillary passed away on January 11, 2008, leaving behind a legacy of courage, kindness, and a true spirit of exploration.