‘Richard Parks on Everest’ hits network television next Monday with viewers across the UK able to watch the show on BBC Two.

The hour-long documentary follows the journey of Richard’s latest Expedition - Project Everest Cynllun and was recently broadcast on BBC One Wales.

It will now be shown on BBC Two on Monday 31st October at 7pm, following Strictly Come Dancing It Takes Two in the schedules. Richard stated; “It’s awesome that so many people loved the show on BBC One Wales, the feedback was overwhelming, so I am super amped and proud that it will also air on BBC Two.”

Richard Parks on Everest follows the ups and downs of Richard’s research expedition on Everest, which used extreme altitude to explore the mechanisms underpinning cognitive decline, psychological resilience and the corresponding link to dementia.

Richard’s aim was to become the first person in history to collect a blood sample and muscle biopsy from the summit of Mount Everest. He also planned to climb the highest mountain in the world without using supplemental oxygen.

The documentary gets under the skin of Richard and his team’s preparation, acclimatisation and expedition, showcasing the complexities of performing and conducting medical research on the world’s highest mountain.

Richard added; “The show really seems to have struck a chord with viewers sharing the reality of expeditions and experiences that aren’t always to plan – a bit like life!”

He added; “Project Everest Cynllun was one of my toughest expeditions to prepare for. It’s hard to condense almost two years of planning, training and such a huge part of my life in to a one-off TV programme. However, the team at One Tribe have done an awesome job at just that. I’m proud that my Everest documentary conveys a real sense of what it looks and feels like to undergo such a complex expedition with almost zero margin for error.”

He added; “It might not end how you’d expect – certainly not the way I had planned, but that’s the nature of extreme environments! There are no guarantees. Regardless, I hope that everyone enjoys the journey with me and that people understand a little more about the kind of expeditions I undertake.”

Mount Everest, at 8,848m/29,029ft tall still holds a magnificent mystique and wonder. She captures the imagination of all who climb her, as well as those who watch on from afar.

Richard first encountered Mount Everest in 2011, summiting her during his record setting 737 Challenge; “She is both a brutal and wonderful mountain.” He added; “Climbing her without the use of supplemental oxygen is without doubt one of the toughest tests of the human mind, body and spirit - this puzzle really intrigued me. But parking my own ego to be subservient to the science was what really excited me. The complexities of medical testing and research on the mountain made this an incredibly ambitious project, however my team and I are tried and tested and after much deliberation we decided that the data made the challenge worth the risk. It was certainly a roller coaster of a ride.” 

WATCH THE TRAILER

VISIT THE RICHARD PARKS ON EVEREST BBC PAGE

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PROJECT EVEREST CYNLLUN