Without mountaineering experience, money or a team, a 46-year-old blind man decided he wanted to climb Mount Everest.
People said he was crazy, but Zhang Hong wanted to prove something to himself - and his wife.
To get in shape, he climbed his staircase up to the 12th floor for several hours a day with 20 to 30 kilograms of luggage and heavy mountain boots on his feet.
Scaling the famous peak, while he could not see the mountain, he was able to feel the air, smell the odour of snow and hear prayer flags flapping in the wind.
In one of the newest gripping narratives from us at the dpa trends & features desk, two handicapped people describe what drove them to the snowy slopes of Mount Everest. Each feature comes illustrated with high-quality photos ready for publication online or in print.
Do get in touch if you have any questions,
Allison Williams
dpa trends & features
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TOP FEATURE: Why a double amputee and a blind man defy odds to climb Mt Everest
Reaching the peak of Mount Everest is a dream for many people. But for one man without legs and another who is blind, this posed exceptional challenges. You might wonder: why bother?
Words: 879 - Images: 4
How the mafia operates in France's Corsica, out of tourists' sight
The Mediterranean island known for its natural beauty is also grappling with rampant organized crime. Gangs have infiltrated the real estate and construction industries and deal drugs. Few tourists are aware of the battles locals face and record level of crime.
Words: 731 - Images: 4
Gardens a growing source of mental health help as people play in dirt
A lush plant shop in Los Angeles is enabling people to plunge their hands into soil and leave feeling slightly better. Its owner found garden therapy helped her heal and now encourages others to process their experiences and find fresh energy by being exposed to greenery.
Words: 1,776 - Images: 5
Remote former East German bunker for sale. Who's buying?
Located near the Polish border, a nuclear bunker with a murky past is up for sale. Interest is growing in such sites as fears surge of war in Europe and after many governments sold off their facilities or let them to fall into disrepair.
Words: 665 - Images: 2
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