We all have some childhood heroes, my first was Edmund Hillary. I first came across Sir Ed at something like 8 years old when I was a keen cub scout. I got an audio tape for christmas that discussed the adventures of many explorers on Everest - Mallory, Irvine and of course Sir Ed and many more.

If I think back now on all those heroes - most of them sporting - not one could hold a candle to what this man accomplished. He continued to do incredible things throughout his life, earning him the nickname among the Nepalese which translates as ‘man with a big heart’. Everything he did was done with the most incredible humility. His famous quote after sumitting Everest in May 1953 was simply

“Well George, we knocked the bastard off”

Sir Ed then went on to knock off another half-dozen Himalayan peaks. He drove a tractor to the South Pole and took jet-boats up the Ganges. Most will agree that his greatest legacy was being the first to summit Everest, but to many it was his tireless work for the people of Nepal that is his greatest gift. He launched the Himalayan Trust which has built more than 30 schools, two hospitals, and 12 medical clinics in Nepal’s Khumbu region.

Sir Ed was buried today, and at his funeral were an amazing mix of people. Buddhist monks, Nepali Sherpas, old mountaineering friends and dignitaries from all over the world. A special sattelite link was also setup to Nepal and Antarctica.

Sir Ed has had, in his own words, ‘an amazing life, filled with adventure’. Today Sir Ed’s son, Peter, said adventure “was compulsory” in the Hillary family.

“We always feared where dad was going to take us in the upcoming school holidays. That shared adventure was one of the greatest gifts he gave to his family and friends.”

Sir Ed is an inspiration, and although we could never accomplish what he has done, I agree with Peter that adventure is a great gift to give and share with our friends and family. In interviews I have seen, or transcripts I’ve read, the overwhelming feeling you get from this man is completely honest humility. humilty and generosity - also great lessons that maybe, shamefully, belong to a bygone era when one considers today’s ’sporting’ heroes.

Goodbye Sir Ed - you are one of a kind.