You love us, but we need more – for Porter’s Progress

We’re out of breath. We’ve just succeeded in our quest to get 8,848 Facebook likes before Kenton Cool climbs Everest. But we think we can climb higher. Can you help us reach 10,000 and raise money for Porter’s Progress?

Facebook fans will know that we’ve been running a competition on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BritishMountaineeringCouncil). We were feeling ever-so-slightly lonely, so thought we’d try to get 8,848 Facebook fans before Mr Cool attempted Everest for the tenth time.

There have been some tasty spot prizes – thanks to Sherpa Adventure Gear, Icebreaker and Julbo – and the main prize is still up for grabs: a personal video message from near the top of the world, plus a Sherpa Adventure Gear Lithang jacket and an Icebreaker Quantum Hood.

Read more...

The BFI, British Film Institute, has announced plans to restore a film about probably the most famous Everest expedition in history - the classic The Epic of Everest. The film, shot on the famous Mallory and Irvine expedition of 1924, was shot by team member Captain John Noel and is set for release in the autumn of 2013.

The BFI took over from the UK Film Council last year as the leading body for film in the UK - including the distribution of National Lottery funding, and has negotiated the aquisition of the worldwide rights to the 1924 film from Captain Noel's daughter. Sandra Noel commented "This is a fitting tribute to my father and his pioneering spirit. It is also a commemoration of those stoic men who ventured into an icy wilderness to challenge Chomo-lung-ma, Goddess Mother of the World. I am delighted, and I know that the result will vividly tell the story of man's battle against the elements." on the announcement. In addition to completing a definitive restoration of the original film the BFI have commissioned Simon Fisher Turner to compose a soundtrack, but they're also appealing for support from individuals and businesses who want to get involved with the project.

The 1924 expedition is famous as the expedition that saw Mallory and Irvine disappear high on the mountain, in reach of the summit, and the most intriguing question in mountaineering history - did they perish on the way up or were they the first to stand on top of Mount Everest, 29 years before Hillary and Tensing.

If you, your trust or company would like to get involved with the BFI's Epic of Everest project, please contact them on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 020 7815 1387.