The countdown to Inmarsat-sponsored climber Daniel Hughes' final ascent of the world's highest peak has begun.
You can follow the progress of Daniel – who aims to raise £1 million (US$1.6 million) for UK charity Comic Relief – via Twitter, live video interviews, live tracking and on his Everest Million website.
The commercial airline pilot has devoted much of the past two years to preparing for his Everest challenge and to reach his goal he needs a million people to donate £1 (US$1.60) each.
His progress is being followed by the BBC – which is featuring him in a series of live interviews transmitted via Inmarsat using an HTC smartphone and a Cobham SATCOM Explorer 700 BGAN terminal.
“This is my special opportunity to do something amazing for others and all this technology will make it very special,” Daniel told the BBC in his latest interview.
“From here at base camp to the top of the world you will be able to join me live via Twitter, video and satellite live tracking.”
He told news journalists the technology is crucial in helping him publicise his bid to conquer Everest.
“I am using it to keep everyone connected to me,” he said. “I need to get the message out to the whole world that I need one million people to donate £1 each to get to my Everest Million.”
Daniel will be transmitting another live interview with BBC news journalists shortly before he begins his ascent on Wednesday 15 May.
He was inspired to raise the money for Comic Relief – which engages in life-enhancing projects around the globe – after seeing widespread child poverty on a trip to Bolivia.
Daniel can receive donations in the UK via SMS (text Nose70 £1 to 70070) or his website.
