Miguel Ángel Roldán climbs Everest with ALS and goes down in history

A SPORTSMAN from southern Spain has made history with his Mount Everest climb: He is the first person with ALS in history to crown 5,000 metres.

Miguel Ángel Roldán, from Andalucía, reached a base camp five kilometres above sea-level this week, as part of project known as 'The Five Battle Cries Against ALS'.

This includes high-profile challenges to publicly call for a more dignified life for patients, ongoing expert care, and more investment in research.

At present, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as motor neuron disease, has no cure, meaning anyone diagnosed with it will progressively worsen, gradually losing bodily functions and eventually require round-the-clock care.

The condition is always fatal, meaning the only medical hope at present is to try to slow down its effects and increase life expectancy and quality of life.

Miguel Ángel is joined by members of associations for people affected by ALS, as well as members of the Movístar national cycling team.

His feat was witnessed and recorded by Movístar's Sheyla Gutiérrez, from La Rioja, who reported back to Spain on his progress.

She said he was not aiming for the peak, as his doctors would not have allowed it, and he scaled the last few metres with oxygen due to the altitude.

“It's being an incredible experience,” says Sheyla, who is making the climb herself and is hoping to crown the summit.

“Especially through being able to accompany Miguel – a person who never gives up, who always says he can do it.

“It's really impressive being alongside someone with Miguel's strength and courage.”

Roldán himself said on Sheyla's video that the experience was proving 'unforgettable', thanks to his support team. 

Sheyla intends to stay longer in the Himalayas and attempt to get to the top, but Roldán's doctors have forbidden him from climbing any higher.