About 8.1 million rupees (more than 40,000 pounds) have been collected from around the world as of Sunday for the treatment and family rehabilitation of high-mountain guide Dawa Sherpa (Hillary), who narrowly escaped death during the Everest expedition.

On June 15, Dawa, 57, from Okhaldhunga, was seriously injured in an accident in the Everest region while returning after failing to climb the mountain while acting as a guide with a Polish citizen. The amount was raised through an international 'GoFundMe' campaign launched to support his treatment, who was found in the Khumbu Icefall area six days later on June 21.

The fundraising campaign, which was launched by British citizen Stephen Sellman and the expedition coordinator in Nepal, Nuru Sherpa (Dawa's brother-in-law) and his daughter Mendo Lhamu Sherpa, has reportedly raised more than the target in eight days. Selman, in his latest update on Sunday, said that the ‘40 thousand pounds’ goal had been met and that the latest thank you message from Dawa Sherpa has been posted on GoFundMe.

According to him, the initial fundraising campaign, which started with a target of 11 thousand pounds, was gradually increased to 35 thousand pounds after the influx of donations. By 30 Jestha, the 35 thousand pounds mark had been crossed and more than 40 thousand pounds (8.1 million rupees) had been collected by Sunday. Selman said that he had raised this fund in coordination with Everest climbers, famous social media personalities and adventure travel content creators.

He said that he plans to come to Nepal in the near future and hand over this amount directly to Dawa’s family.

Nuru Sherpa, the campaign’s Nepal coordinator, wrote on Instagram that this solidarity is not just a financial support for a family but also a respect for the heroes behind the scenes of the mountains (mountaineering workers). ‘This campaign has proven that kindness and humanity have no boundaries,’ Nuru wrote, ‘Hillary Dawa is a responsible husband and father. This support will ensure his treatment and the long-term safety of his family.’

Hilary Dawa, who has a new lease of life, has released photos of himself after leaving the hospital on ‘GoFundMe.’ He has expressed his gratitude to donors from around the world. He has claimed that he did not lose his life on Everest but rather had an accident.

In the GoFundMe, he said, ‘We had reached an altitude of about 8,400 meters.’ But as it was getting dark, we decided to return safely.’ Dawa, who claims to have successfully climbed Everest before, said that he has reached the South Col seven times, ‘During the descent from the South Col, my speed was slowed down due to adverse weather and excessive weight.’ During the same period, I was seriously injured after falling in the Khumbu Icefall area.'

Dawa, who was missing for 6 days, said, 'I was stranded in the icefall area for about three days. During that time, I was very close to death. I thought my life was over. But, by the grace of God, I survived. This is my second life.'

According to campaign coordinator Stephen, even though Hillary Dawa has been discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU) of Hams Hospital, her health challenges still remain. Doctors had pointed out that due to spending a long time in extreme cold, her blood had reached a state of clotting and she was at risk of paralysis. Currently, her right leg is severely bruised and she cannot move it, so she will need surgery if it does not improve. Similarly, doctors have informed the family about the possibility of amputating some of her fingers due to severe frostbite.