Clutching the Australian flag in one hand and Nepal’s in the other, Bobby Bajram was overcome as he reached Kala Patthar’s summit. The moment presented the exhilaration of what he believes to be a world first - combined with a sobering dose of reality.
From the peak, he could see Everest – his dream, so near yet a daunting 3,500 metres above the extraordinary achievement he had just accomplished.
Back in the comfort of his Melbourne flat, Bobby still reflects on the moment he caught a glimpse of the world’s highest peak.
"It was happiness – then I’ve looked over at Everest and I’ve gone ‘you’re next son!’"
The bravado is typical of a man who has spent a life overcoming the odds. To the best of his knowledge, Bobby is the first person with a severe case of MS to conquer Kala Patthar.
'There were really scary moments where I fell so many times where there was nothing on the side of the mountain.'
MS is a disease of the central nervous system, interfering with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal chord and optic nerves. The disease can result in loss of muscle control, vision, balance, and sensation.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, interfering with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal chord and optic nerves. - See more at: http://www.msaustralia.org.au/understanding-ms#sthash.Rayn9bBk.dpuf
At 13, he became the youngest Australian diagnosed with the condition and has spent prolonged periods in a wheelchair and at times, blind. But in the 34 years since the diagnosis he’s worked toward the seemingly unattainable goal he set himself as a young teen.
“When I was diagnosed at 13 and I was in my chair and blind, the first thing that came into my mind was one day I’m going to walk to the top of the world and see the blue sky,” he said.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, interfering with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal chord and optic nerves. - See more at: http://www.msaustralia.org.au/understanding-ms#sthash.Rayn9bBk.dpuf
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, interfering with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal chord and optic nerves. - See more at: http://www.msaustralia.org.au/understanding-ms#sthash.Rayn9bBk.dpuf
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, interfering with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal chord and optic nerves. - See more at: http://www.msaustralia.org.au/understanding-ms#sthash.Rayn9bBk.dpuf“When I was diagnosed at 13 and I was in my chair and blind, the first thing that came into my mind was, one day I’m going to walk to the top of the world and see the blue sky,” he said.
It made Bobby determined. He trained hard. Thousands of gym hours trimmed 40 kilograms from his frame, transforming his body to that of an elite athlete. He trekked Victoria’s high country in preparation for this month’s assault on the Himilayas. It would be pivotal in his Everest quest, the first real evidence of how his medical condition would respond.
“This trip was a test to see how my body would react in the Himilayas at altitude – it was a big test,” he said.
It was a test the 47-year-old provisionally passed. He was hospitalised and required medication, but made the trek with the help of two guides and three sherpas, with whom he developed a strong bond.
“These boys saved my life, there were really scary moments where I fell so many times where there was nothing on the side of the mountain, I would fall and they would catch me, push me back. They were like brothers. They were so caring – they were like my carers. They weren’t the mountain sherpas – they were my carers," he said.
Bobby said the MS attack he suffered on the mountain was frightening and painful, and he concedes continuing his Everest quest against medical advice may be seen as unwise, but he has a greater goal - raising millions for charity and delivering a positive message to those living with disability.
Bobby with his guides. (Image: supplied)
“It gives everyone hope. To say this is something that is achievable whatever your goal is – you don’t have to climb mountains even going down the street in your chair,” he said.
Bobby plans to take on Everest early in 2015.
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