Transplant mountaineer halts bidA former Himalayan guide from Wiltshire who had a kidney transplant from his brother in 2005 has been forced to abort a record attempt on Everest.
Tony Ward, 45, from Broad Hinton, tried to beat the altitude record for a transplant recipient of 21,000ft (6,400m) but became ill on the peak.
His attempt was monitored by a team from Loughborough University's Sports Research Department and kidney experts.
The three-week expedition, sponsored by local firms, cost more than £10,000.
He had hoped to become the first transplant recipient to climb the North Col of Mount Everest, 1,900ft (600m) higher than anyone with a transplant has ever climbed.
But infection and altitude sickness forced him to end his attempt when he was just 3,200ft (1,000m) from his goal.
The disappointed climber said: "I was nearly there.
"I found it particularly tough.
"Now I must wait and see whether I can have another try some time in the future."
He is now back at home resting.
Until the age of 33, he was a full-time mountaineering instructor and expedition leader.
In 1998 he was diagnosed with kidney disease, six months later he suffered kidney failure and had to start dialysis.
He was told by doctors that he would never climb again.
He then received a new kidney from his brother, who was living in Australia.
But during the seven years before his transplant, he completed several climbs, including the ascents of four Alpine peaks over 13,000ft (4,000m), carrying his own dialysis equipment.
He now runs a small business working on mountaineering training with Duke of Edinburgh Award students.
He said he hoped his Everest challenge will help raise awareness of kidney-related issues and inspire other people who have had kidney transplants.
He also wants to increase awareness of the NHS organ donor register.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/england/wiltshire/8057191.stm
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