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From Dover to Everest: Our Ambassador, Mitch Hutchcraft, Completes The World’s Longest Triathlon Raising Money For Savsim

  • Writer: Dr Joe Giordano
    Dr Joe Giordano
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Updated: 9 hours ago

On Sunday, 11th May 2025, something truly historic happened. Our Ambassador, Mitch Hutchcraft, former Royal Marine, veteran, and member of our Fundraising and Development Committee, reached the summit of Mount Everest, completing what is now recognised as the world’s longest triathlon.


From Dover to Everest, Mitch swam the English Channel, cycled nearly 12,000km through 19 countries, ran 900km from India to Kathmandu, and trekked more than 360km through the Himalayas to Base Camp before climbing to 8,849 metres above sea level.


Over 240 days. 13,000km, and one unwavering mission: to raise funds for us here at SAVSIM, supporting our work with veterans' mental health and the prevention of wildlife crime.


A foreword from our CEO and co-founder, Joe Giordano

"When Mitch first connected with SAVSIM over three years ago, I had no idea how far his journey would go. Since then, I’ve watched him take on some of the world’s toughest challenges — rowing the Atlantic, cycling across America, and now reaching the summit of Everest, all to raise awareness and funds for our work.


Thanks to Mitch’s efforts and the incredible support of our wider community, we’ll be able to deliver more programmes, reach more people, and expand our conservation work around the world."



The Expedition

Mitch named his expedition Project Limitless, and it’s hard to imagine a more fitting title. This challenge was never just about endurance or world records. It was about healing, honour, and proving that with the right mindset, support, and purpose, even the most extreme challenges can be overcome.


The Journey in Stages:

Mitch’s journey has become the stuff of legend, not just for its scale, but for the sheer number of obstacles he overcame.

  • The Channel Swim: On 15 September 2024, Mitch began by swimming 35km across the English Channel, battling force 5 winds and frigid waters for over 18 hours. Only three out of eleven swimmers completed the crossing that day; Mitch was one of them.

  • The 12,000km Cycle: From Calais, he embarked on a 12,000km cycle through 19 countries, facing challenges like visa denials in Iran, a military lockdown in Iraq, and treacherous conditions in Pakistan. Despite these obstacles, he pressed on, highlighting conservation efforts along the way, such as visiting Wildlife SOS in India.

  • The 900km Run: Starting on 14 February 2025, Mitch ran 900km from Digha, India, to Kathmandu, Nepal. Battling extreme cramps, swollen knees, and even food poisoning, he demonstrated unwavering commitment to the cause.

  • The Everest Trek and Climb: From Kathmandu, Mitch trekked 365km to Everest Base Camp, carrying all his gear through varying climates. After acclimatisation climbs, including summiting Lobuche East (6,119m), he began his final ascent. On 11 May, guided by Gelje Sherpa, Mitch reached Everest's summit at 7:20 am Nepalese time, fulfilling a dream he’d held since childhood.


His journey has been featured in The BBC, The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Independent, and Cambridgeshire Live, plus many more, and followed by thousands online.




Why It Matters

Mitch’s record-breaking journey has inspired thousands — not just because of its scale, but because it embodies everything we stand for at SAVSIM: grit, compassion, and the power of purpose.


Our mission is to support veterans with PTSD and mental health challenges through animal-assisted therapy, delivered in partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), and to guide them into conservation roles where they protect endangered wildlife and combat poaching. Through our Warriors of Hope programme, we’ve seen how nature can heal and how a renewed sense of purpose can transform lives.


Mitch’s incredible efforts have brought global attention to this work, helping us reach more veterans, expand our impact, and continue building a community where service leads to strength once again.




What’s Next

While Mitch has reached his summit, ours is still ahead. We’re continuing to raise funds through events like our Clay Day at Holland & Holland and our Golf Day at Foxhills. These allow us to keep delivering the kind of meaningful work Mitch set out to support.


Attending the Universal Ranger Support Alliance conference at ZSL London Zoo this month was a reminder of the growing impact we’re making. Seeing SAVSIM listed among the world’s top conservation NGOs was a moment we'll never forget.



Help Us Keep Going

Mitch’s achievement is monumental, but the mission continues.

If his story has moved you, please consider supporting our work. Every donation helps change lives, both human and animal.


Follow Mitch for more adventures: @_mitchhutch


On behalf of the veterans we support and the wildlife we fight to protect - thank you.

Let’s keep climbing.


Joe Giordano

CEO & Co-Founder, SAVSIM CIC











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