Mountain high

MARATHON team . . . Steve Watts (second left) with sister-in-law Carla (left), brother Peter and son Matthew

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

AN heroic fundraiser made history when he became the first person to complete the Everest Marathon with a pacemaker ­- while also saving the life of a porter in the process.

Steve Watts (63), of Packwood Chase, Chadderton, was heading towards Gorakshep from the Everest base camp with his group ­- which included his son Matthew, brother Peter and sister-in-law Carla ­- for the beginning of the marathon when he noticed a porter lying in a gulley.

Steve saw the porter was suffering from hypothermia so gave him water and glucose before, with the help of his team, taking him back to Gorakshep where their marathon team doctor diagnosed a chest infection which could have been expensive to treat.

But in a 10-minute frenzy the marathon group sprang into action, raising over £160 in a whip round which would pay for the porter's medical needs and cover his work for a few weeks while he recovers.

Already an eventful excursion Steve then completed the highest marathon in the world and has raised over £6,000 for Himalayan Trust Uk and the British Heart Foundation in doing so.

Steve said: "It was a good thing we were travelling down when we did, he would have surely died if he had stayed where he was, if it wasn't for us passing he wouldn't be here.

"When he eventually recovered after food and warm sugary drinks he could not thank me enough, whilst insisting he needed to go back to get his load, needing the money for his mother and family.

"Without these porters nothing would be possible in Nepal, they are the Trekkers' life blood and care with regards to working conditions and needs should be improved."

Steve decided to compete in the marathon after witnessing Everest's worst ever tragedy on April 18, 2014, where 16 Sherpa died in an avalanche on his first trip with his brother.

This time around, prior to reaching base camp, Steve and his group arranged a friendly football match against Shree Himalayan Primary School in Namche Bazaar.

The Manchester United foundation donated a number of match-worn shirts which were presented to the school's headteacher and students can earn them throughout the year for outstanding effort.

Steve said: "Manchester United gave us shirts that had been worn by the players to give to a school there and we held a friendly game with the pupils, the highest ever friendly football match!

"We gave each class a Manchester shirt to go to the top performers in the school as a bit of an incentive."

As well as raising funds for the two charities another motive for the expedition was to encourage people to work towards their goals and ambitions.

Steve said: "My message would be don't give up hope, don't give in and live your life to the full and that is what I hope to achieve.

"I sincerely hope with what I have been able to achieve along this journey in being the first person in the world to complete the Everest Marathon with a pacemaker and one of the oldest, will give hope and inspire others to take control and say he you no what, let's give it a go."

You can still donate to Steve's cause by visiting heartbeateverest.com.