A St Andrews University student aiming to be the youngest Briton to conquer the highest peak on every continent will make his second attempt at Mount Everest.
Geordie Stewart (21) failed to reach the summit of the world’s highest peak last year when he stopped to help sick climbers.
He was 120m from the top of the 8848m mountain when he went to help his Sherpa guide and two team-mates suffering severe altitude sickness.
The history and theology student, who has won the admiration of Sir Ranulph Fiennes and his idol Bear Grylls, heads for Kathmandu next month and hopes to complete his challenge between May 15 and 30.
Taking on the more challenging Tibetan north-east ridge route, Geordie will follow in the footsteps of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, who died during a 1924 expedition.
He calls the mountain “unfinished business” and said, “I am very fortunate to have been given another opportunity to attempt to reach the highest point on earth.
“Having got so close last year, I feel more focused and even better prepared to fulfil my dream.”
Geordie, from Hampshire, developed a love of hillwalking through his Banffshire father’s side of the family.
At the age of 18 he climbed Cerra Acongcagua in South America and has since conquered the highest mountains in Africa, Europe, North America, Antarctica and Oceania.
Geordie, who should celebrate his 22nd birthday at Everest base camp, will realise a dream inspired by a Grylls book if he completes his mission.
Grylls 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.”
When he aborted his last attempt Geordie had been on the notorious northern route for more than seven weeks. He had embarked on the summit section when his guide fell ill.
Geordie settled him and continued his fight to the top, but then his team-mates were struck down. It ended his chances of reaching the summit as fierce winds were predicted and too little time was left.
While disappointed, Geordie said a person’s life was more important than the summit of Everest.
The cost of Geordie’s Seven Summit expedition has been met by sponsorship from the university and Frank Knight estate agents. The venture will also raise funds for the RNLI.Follow his endeavours at www.geordiestewart.com