'For him and his legacy'

Climbing Mount Everest is one of the great challenges in the world but a Carlow man decided to go a step further -- by taking on the world's highest peak while topless.

Paul Norton, 32, who is originally from Tullow but now based in Australia , set out on his mission after being inspired by his beloved grandfather Arthur Norton, who grew up in the Wicklow mountains.

Paying tribute to his grandfather, who passed away as Paul took on the mountain, the Carlow man shared: 'My grandad made me the person I am today.

A post shared by Paul Norton - Online Coach (@paulnorton_fitness)

Paul said of his beloved grandfather: 'He was born on a mountain, raised on a mountain, and farmed all his life on the mountain.'

Paul added that 'some of the most valuable life lessons' he learned from his grandfather were in the mountain while the pair gathered sheep.

On learning that his grandfather only had a matter of weeks left, Paul went to Nepal from Australia with the goal of getting as high as he could on the mountain in tribute.

He told The Carlow Nationalist of his plan to lay out prayer flags for his grandfather, and 'bring him back a rock from the highest mountain in the world.'

Paul had to turn around at 6,100m into his expedition -- 2,750 metres short of the summit -- when his grandfather passed away. He returned with a rock from Mount Everest, as promised.

The personal trainer was able to rely on the Wim Hoff breathing method, which he has embraced for years. He can hold his breath for up to five minutes.

He was also able to use his experience in doing ice baths to brave the cold topless. Despite mastering the challenge himself, Paul doesn't recommend climbing the world's highest mountain without some warm clothing.

'I knew it was getting real when my beard and the hairs on my chest froze solid as I was walking up,' he told the paper.

Sharing his experience on social media, Paul shared that climbing Mount Everest was for both his grandfather as well as his grandfather's legacy.

A post shared by Paul Norton - Online Coach (@paulnorton_fitness)

'When I felt like giving up, I'd hear his voice, "Jeepers, keep going son," then i'd burst on.

'This is a celebration to the man we called pops (grandad).

'His legacy now lays above Mount Everest where his name is written on some prayer flags 5,800 metres up.'

Paul said that Arthur gave him and his siblings 'memories that will last forever,' and showed them how to be kind as well as have a good work ethic.

Paul left Ireland 12 years ago, following the death of his mother. His grandfather Arthur Norton passed away peacefully on February 3, surrounded by his loving family.

His death notice reads: 'Deeply regretted by his loving wife Sheila, children Paul, Julie, Arthur and Eoin, brother Henry and sister Mary, grandchildren Paul, Patrick, Sarah, Michelle, Tomas, Sarah-Louise, Emily and Cian.'