Jason Black has finally conquered K2.
The Letterkenny man finally reached the top of the world’s second highest but arguably toughest mountain in the early hours of this morning.
And the first thing the proud Donegal man did was plant a Donegal flag as well as an Irish flag on top of the 28,235 summit.
In a specially recorded message from the top of the mountain known as The Savage, Jason said:
“The top of K2. I am one hell of a proud Irishman and one hell of a proud Donegal man. That was hell, absolutely hell and back. I’m only half way there I have to get back down safely.”
Black immediately dedicated the climb to his four children and said “Never stop believing and never stop reaching for the sky.”
He also thanked his father and his sisters for “making him the man he is.”
Today, incredibly, is exactly ten years on from when the first Irishman to conquer K2 also reached the summit.
Ger McDonnell was tragically killed while coming down the mountain after an avalanche killed the Limerick man and ten other climbers.
“Your legacy will live on forever,” said Jason of McDonnell from on top of K2.
But the Letterkenny man held his most passionate words for his wife Sharon.
Fighting back tears he said “To the most incredible wife in the world, Sharon, who has been with me all the way, thank you.”
He then asked people to keep him in his prayers as he starts the descent of the mountain.
Listen here to Jason’s message recorded live on top of K2 just a few short hours ago.