World Explorer Pays Tribute To Sir Edmund Hillary

Jan. 15, 2008 - PRLog -- (SEATTLE, WA)—International explorer and adventurer Gary Garner paid tribute to the late Sir Edmund Hillary, one of his idols, who passed away January 11. Sir Edmund was the first man to complete the trifecta of standing on both the north and south poles and reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. When asked why he climbed Mt. Everest, the explorer answered back succinctly, “Because it’s there.”

Garner, author of the new book Through the Eyes of Madness, spoke in glowing terms of Sir Edmund’s accomplishments and leadership in the world of adventure and philanthropy.

“Sir Edmund was much more than an extraordinary world adventurer,” says Garner. “He was a philanthropist who devoted his life to helping the people of Nepal through the Himalayan Trust.”

Upon establishing the trust in 1960 to battle poverty in the mountains and villages of Nepal, Edmund oversaw the building of three hospitals, thirteen health clinics and more than thirty schools.

Inspired by Sir Edmund, Garner spent five years traveling across the seven continents, visiting remote villages and countries and opening up his mind and heart to a simpler life.  

In addition, Garner is following in the great man’s footsteps by using proceeds from his new book to benefit villages around the world.  

One of Garner’s first efforts is joining forces with an organization of seventy major music artists who are contributing their talents to an effort to rebuild a hospital in Santiago, Atitlan, Guatemala, for the Tzutujul Mayan community. Garner will focus his efforts on education and medical training for that same community.

Previously, Garner was very a wealthy and highly successful businessman who one day literally abandoned all of his material possessions and began a global journey with nothing more than his backpack.  

“Everything I have accomplished—and will accomplish—through my efforts is a tribute to a truly exceptional man,” says Garner. “Hillary did everything I have attempted, only far better and far in advance of my meager efforts. He was an iconic man who impacted the lives of millions and I aspire to leave a footprint that is a fraction of his legacy.”

http://www.throughtheeyesofmadness.com/landing.htm?pr=SEH


(Through the Eyes of Madness by Gary Garner; ISBN: 0-9798687-9-5; illustrated; photos; $39.99; 398 pages; 8½ x 11½; soft-cover paperback;
Integrated Technology Edge Corporation)

Website: www.arborbooks.com