I have been seriously afraid at times but have used my fear as a stimulating factor rather than allowing it to paralyse me. My abilities have not been outstanding, but I have had sufficient strength and determination to meet my challenges and have usually managed to succeed with them.

Stiles printers. While there he called for the British government to contribute to the upkeep of Scott's and Shackleton's huts. Public recognition

Hillary was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) on 6 June 1953; member of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ) in 1987; and Knight of the Order of the Garter (KG) on 22 April 1995.

Hillary was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. As part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition he reached the South Pole overland in 1958.