Good Luck Geordie!!
A 21-year-old student from Hampshire is heading to Everest to try and finish his bid to become the youngest Briton to conquer the highest mountain on every continent.
Geordie Stewart, from Hampshire, hopes to reach the 8,848-metre summit of the world's highest peak in May after rigorous training.
Geordie, who studies history and theology at St Andrews University, got the climbing bug after completing the Three Peaks of England, Wales and Scotland in 2007.
His hobby has taken him around the globe as he notched up six of the seven continents' highest mountains: Cerro Aconcagua in South America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, McKinley in North America, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, and Oceania's Carstensz Pyramid.
Last year he came within 120 metres of his dream of conquering Everest but had to turn back to help his guide and two team-mates, who were suffering severe altitude sickness.
The "Death Zone", as it is known, is so called because after 8,000 metres the body can no longer acclimatise to the dangerously low levels of oxygen.
Geordie, who grew up near Andover, said:
"I am very fortunate to have been given another opportunity to attempt to reach the highest point on earth.
"I am determined to complete the challenge I set myself. Having got so close last year, I feel more focused and even better prepared to fulfil my dream."
Geordie will leave St Andrews on Sunday (April 3rd 2011) before heading to Kathmandu early next month to prepare for the climb.
He hopes to reach the summit between May 15 and 30.
The student has received the support of his hero, adventurer Bear Grylls, who in 1998 became the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, aged 23.
He said: "I wish Geordie all the success and safety in this epic challenge.
"It is an endeavour that will take him to the limits and probably beyond, and that sort of commitment is not hard to admire."
Geordie, who is raising funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution through the Seven Summit challenge, has received sponsorship from St Andrews University and Knight Frank estate agents.
