Close Up returned to air to recognise the life and passing of a Sir Edmund Hillary - an extraordinary new Zealander.
Sir Ed was extraordinary in every sense of the word. He was a great man who has touched and inspired generations.
Tom Scott reflects
Someone very close to Sir Edmund Hillary was Tom Scott. He has
recently completed a documentary on the legacy of Sir Ed. Tom spent
much of the day on Friday at the Hillary household. He spoke to
Mark Sainsbury about the Sir Ed that he knew and loved.
Lifelong work
Nepal and the Sherpa people were the major focus of Sir Ed's life
after conquering Everest. Eighteen months ago Mark Sainsbury was
privileged to accompany him back there, where despite failing
health he made one last visit to the Sherpa communities high in the
Himalaya - a journey not without its risks given his susceptibility
to altitude sickness. Mark says "again I witnessed the awe and
respect he was held in by his beloved Sherpa people and also the
work carried out under his leadership." Close Up took a look back
at that trip.
A young climber's dream
Mike Gill was 22 when he first met Sir Ed. It was seven years after
he conquered Mount Everest and the young climber was invited on a
nine month expedition to the Himalaya's. After that he went on all
of Sir Ed's expeditions as a climber, photographer and a doctor.
Mike spoke to Mark about his time with Sir Ed.
Before Everest
When we think of Sir Ed we tend to think of him along with his
glorious achievements. Bill Bevan and Norman Hardy first met Sir Ed
in 1948 - five years before he "knocked the old bastard off" - when
all three were involved in New Zealand's most famous mountain
rescue. They share their memories of our modest hero.
