Visiting this web site requires a newer version of Netscape Communicator.
Visit Microsoft's Web site to obtain the newest version of Internet Explorer, or visit Netscape's Web site to obtain the newest version of Netscape Communicator.
Visiting this web site without first upgrading your browser may result in unreliable behavior.
DVD available at ABC Stores and online http://shop.abc.net.au
In late May, 2006, before I knew I had been declared dead on Everest, friends in Australia knew I was alive. One of those friends was Chris Hilton with whom I had made the first ascent of remote Mount Minto in Antarctica, about which Chris and his partner Glenn Singleman, made a documentary. Chris and I also made the first-ever documentary – under the expert directorial eye of Michael Dillon – of climbing Carstensz Pyramid in West Papua. Chris went on to become one of Australia's most accomplished and respected documentary film makers. It was Chris who set up the phone call to Advance Base Camp on the Tibetan side of Everest that day in May. Dan Mazur picked up the phone at Advance Base Camp and was directed to "not speak to anyone else". That was the beginning of MIRACLE ON EVEREST.
The project was a long time coming because I returned to Australia in very bad shape. My priorities at that time were my family, my recovery and the book which was to become DEAD LUCKY. When my book was at the printers I put more time into the documentary, and knew that the team assembled for the project would produce a great result, and this was the case.
When MIRACLE ON EVEREST was broadcast in the U.S.A. on National Geographic Channel and in Australia on ABC1, the response was very positive. This was because everyone involved shared the same ethical values and high production standards. Jen Peedomwas in charge of the project and had filmed climbers at 8400 metres (27,000 feet) on Everest in 2006. She certainly knew what she was looking to recreate. In the same fortunate position was chief cameraman Mark Whetu, who has climbed the north side of Everest four times. It is small wonder that the re-creations were so realistic, and the response so enthusiastic.