Why TV Reporter Climbed Mount Everest, Then Did 22 Pushups (Exclusive)

A TV reporter recently climbed Mount Everest with an important goal in mind.

Mike Tobin, a senior correspondent for Fox News, recently summited the tallest mountain in the world — and at the top, he did 22 pushups, representing the 22 first responders and veterans who die by suicide on average each day. 

Tobin, 58, tells PEOPLE he hopes his climb will inspire those who may be struggling with their mental health, especially the first responders and veterans he has worked with for years.

“I really hope that I could reach maybe one guy who’s going to realize that someone took the time to do that in the death zone,” he says, “and that means that somebody cares.”

Tobin began climbing in 1993 when he was working for a small news market in West Virginia. He had been a gymnast for a long time beforehand so he says he was “very familiar” with the mechanics once he got started.

Eventually, he was captivated by “the thrill” of climbing. “The fact that you can get scared and you’re getting your workout at the same time, I think that’s what got me hooked with climbing,” he explains.

Like many, the idea of climbing Mount Everest intrigued Tobin, who covered the 1996 Everest disaster while working for a news station in Dallas. He had gotten close with Beck Weathers, who died in the tragedy, as well as the his family.

Recently, Tobin was inspired to do his own Everest climb.

In addition to hiring both a trainer and nutritionist, Tobin prepared for the physical aspect of the climb by running up and down an Olympic-style ski jump and sand dunes. He also spent two months sleeping in an oxygen deprivation tent.

In April, Tobin flew out to China for his climb. He spent the first three days touring the area, allowing himself to have “a more gradual introduction to the altitude.” 

Soon, they reached the first base camp, located at about 17,000 feet above sea level. He spent a week there before advancing to the next base camp, located at 21,000 feet. 

Tobin battled self-doubt while at base camp. Quoting Tom Petty, Tobin said, “The waiting … is the hardest part.”

“I was stalked by my inner loser the whole time,” he admits, remembering he told himself “’Quit. Go home. This is dumb. Why are you doing it? … What if you fail? Are you going to make it?’ ”

Although Tobin was committed to the climb, organized by Alpenglow, he often missed his family.

“I wanted to get home. I missed my wife, I wanted to be with her and I didn’t like waiting around camp,” he confessed, noting camp life was “uncomfortable.” 

But there were many highlights to the trip, as well. Tobin’s route to the top of Everest took him through the Northeastern Ridge, “the same route that George Mallory and Sandy Irvine ultimately failed on.”

The first steppe was trying, but Tobin tells PEOPLE the second was the most difficult. Once he cleared it, however, he could see the summit. “That’s when I knew I made it,” Tobin recalls.

Over five hours after leaving the third and final camp, Tobin reached the top of Mount Everest on May 27.

Once at the top, Tobin did the 22 pushups he’d planned for. The reporter — who has “done a lot of work with veterans,” including with the organization known as Project Hero, previously known as Ride to Recovery, as well as the Disabled Veterans National Foundation — hopes his accomplishment inspires first responders and veterans to push through the difficulties of life.

“The sun’s going to come up tomorrow,” he says, adding that he hopes those in need “reach out for help.” 

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Tobin also hopes his story inspires members of the general population to “set your goals and hit them.”

“I’m bearing down on 60 and I just hit a lifetime athletic goal,” he says. “If you can set a goal, you can back up, make your strategy and prepare yourself for the big life’s goal. Being over 50 doesn’t mean you have to abandon those things.”

For Tobin, climbing Everest was an “unforgettable” experience. When asked where it ranks among his other climbs, the reporter confidently says, “It’s got to be number one.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.