Man told he would not live past four to climb Everest

2 days ago

George TorrDerby

Archie Thompson is climbing to Mount Everest base camp to raise money for children's charity Demelza

Supplied Archie Thompson stood outside with a tree, mountains and a lake in the background — Archie Thompson is climbing to Mount Everest base camp to raise money for children's charity Demelza

A man who was told he would not live beyond his fourth birthday is now preparing to climb to Mount Everest base camp for the charity which supported him as a child.

Archie Thompson, 24, from Chesterfield, was diagnosed as a baby with MOMO syndrome, an extremely rare genetic condition with fewer than 10 known cases worldwide. The disorder causes rapid growth, including the eyes and head.

Despite a series of early health problems - including two heart attacks before the age of two - he is now taking on the mammoth challenge in order to give back to children's charity Demelza.

Archie said: "It's about quality of life and making the most of it, live every second and don't live with regrets."

Archie suffered two heart attacks before the age of two

Supplied Picture of Archie Thompson as a baby — Archie suffered two heart attacks before the age of two

Archie weighed four stone by the time he was 15-months-old and had reached six stone by age two.

The condition placed a huge strain on his heart and lungs and doctors told his family they did not expect him to live past the age of four.

But he defied the odds and is now training to take on the Everest Base Camp trek in September in aid of children's charity Demelza, which supported him and his family in the early stages of his condition.

"I didn't really understand what was going on because I was so young, but it's a bit of an odd thing to have over your head when your family was told that you weren't going to be here past a certain age," he said.

Archie had suffered two heart attacks by the age of two and used a wheelchair, before eventually learning to walk by the time he started school.

By age three, he and his family were being supported by the charity and he has fond memories of the hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent, where he recalls loving the hydro pool and sensory lights.

"I suffered with rapid bone growth, weight gain, asthma and respiratory issues.

"Demelza offered respite to not only myself, but to my family and offered a normal childhood experience," Archie said.

Archie was supported by Demelza throughout his childhood

Supplied Archie Thompson as a child — Archie was supported by Demelza throughout his childhood

Archie said he now lives a pretty normal life, working as a senior bar manager at a hotel and enjoying long hikes, something he found a love of after moving to the Lake District.

Now he is using that hobby to give back, by trying to raise £5,500 for the charity that means so much to him.

"I originally saw the challenge advertised in late 2024 and thought about it, but it was a bit of a pipedream. But then I looked into it more and started to think it was possible, so I signed up.

"It's a bit of a bucket list thing of mine and the perfect charity to do it for.

"I've never done high altitude walking but it's going to be a great laugh with a great bunch of people and I'm sure it's going to be one hell of a big emotion when we reach Base Camp.

"I count my lucky stars every day. I got pretty lucky with the effects of the condition but I don't know the future. It's a case of going day by day.

"There's no point stressing over something you can't really change. We are dealt the cards we are dealt, it's how you play it. It's about quality of life and making the most of it, live every second and don't live with regrets," Archie said.

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