In March 2022, I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp to raise awareness of male infertility. At the time, I had no idea how significant this journey would become—both personally and professionally.
It has been several years since my trek in Nepal, yet the memory of the day we arrived at Base Camp remains as vivid as if it happened yesterday. I often find myself reflecting on that magical Sunday afternoon of March 13, feeling as though a part of me was left behind at the foot of Everest—the grief I finally managed to set free.
Nepal captivated me more than I realised at the time. Looking back, I miss the chaotic yet charming hustle of Kathmandu’s busy, dusty streets and the towering mountains that inspire awe in anyone daring enough to visit. I miss the satisfaction of collapsing into a chair after a gruelling day of hiking and savouring a hot, well-earned cup of lemon tea. I even miss the freezing cold—though perhaps not the night it dipped to -21°C!
Before the trip, I had long dreamed of one day standing atop the summit of Mount Everest. It had been a childhood ambition ever since my family holidays in the Lake District, where my love for mountains first blossomed. But something changed in me during my time in Nepal, something I hadn’t anticipated.
On our approach to Base Camp, we passed through a memorial ground dedicated to climbers who had lost their lives attempting to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain. Seeing those names and stories etched in stone hit me hard, sparking a question I couldn’t shake: “Would it be worth the risk?”
That question followed me for days, nagging at the edges of my thoughts. On the return trek, I made an effort to spend more time alone, reflecting on the journey and what it had come to mean to me. No matter how much I turned it over in my mind, the same question haunted me: “Would it be worth it?”
And then, clarity struck.
The ambition I’d held for years—to climb Mount Everest—wasn’t so different from the journey I had taken to become a father. Both required relentless determination, courage, and perseverance. Both were fraught with obstacles and moments of despair. People can spend years training and attempting to summit Everest, only to have their dreams dashed by factors beyond their control. The same can be said of those struggling with infertility, whose hope for children may remain unfulfilled through no fault of their own.
In that moment, I realized how fortunate I was. After years of heartbreak, failed attempts, and painful setbacks, Jennifer and I had reached our summit. Against all odds, we had become parents. I didn’t need to climb Everest—I had already conquered my greatest challenge.
The grief I’d been carrying during the trip began to make sense. It wasn’t just about the lives memorialised on the mountain. It was also about my children, and the thought of missing out on their lives because of a selfish decision to pursue an old dream. In that instant, my perspective shifted. I no longer needed to stand at the summit of Everest; my ambition had been fulfilled in a far deeper and more meaningful way.
Yet our trek to Base Camp had a purpose far greater than personal reflection. We set out to raise awareness of male infertility, and in that, I feel we succeeded. The fertility community embraced our challenge with open arms, and the incredible support I received helped me push through the toughest parts of the journey. But the experience also reminded me of how much more work is needed to break the stigma surrounding male infertility.
Men should not feel ashamed to talk about this subject. It’s a conversation we must normalise, and society must recognise its importance before it’s too late.
While I may never climb to the summit of Mount Everest, I know there are more challenges ahead. I am committed to continuing my efforts to raise awareness of male infertility, hoping that my sacrifices can inspire and support other men in overcoming their own obstacles. If it helps even one person achieve their dream of fatherhood, then it will all have been worth it.