Everest '96 South Col
Expedition Report
Route Map
How I joined the team
The Great Storm of '96
The Summit Day
Standing on top
Bruce Herrod memorial
Why take the risk?
SA government tribute
Audio clips from the mnt
In the storm
Madiba talks to the team
Ian on the summit
Cathy on the summit
Bruce on the summit
Madiba after the climb
25 May 1996 - Cathy O'Dowd, standing on the summit of Everest, talks to her mother, Patricia O'Dowd, who is in their family home in Johannesburg, South Africa:

"Morning darling. You are the star for us. Over."

"Hi mum. It's great to hear your voice. It's amazing to be up here. We've been, we've been climbing since midnight and we've finally made it. I can't believe we've done it. It's the most incredible feeling. Over."

For more on Cathy's summit story...


Cathy O'Dowd


Copyright © Cathy O'Dowd 2003. All rights reserved