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A cystic fibrosis sufferer from County Durham has become the first person living with the condition to summit Mount Everest.

It is an astonishing achievement for 39-year-old Nick Talbot who was almost killed on the mountain last year when an avalanche struck.

Nick and his team conquered the world’s tallest mountain late on Thursday night and are currently making their way back down.

Messages of congratulations are beginning to flood in for the climber who is hoping his remarkable journey will raise awareness of cystic fibrosis.

Last year Nick had his dream thwarted when the powerful earthquake, which killed at least 6,000 people and injured at least 8,000 people across Nepal, triggered an avalanche which almost claimed his life.

Nick was in the same climbing party as American Google executive Dan Fredinburg, who died in the tragedy.

In 2014 the climber’s efforts again resulted in disappointment when authorities closed the mountain after the death of 16 Sherpas.

But Nick was determined to make his dream come true.

Nick has been on the mountain for the month but his team began their final ascent on Monday. By Wednesday this week they had reached Base Camp Four before making the final push to the summit late on Thursday.

Although Nick is currently out of contact as he makes his way back down, he told the Chronicle last week: “I’m in good shape at the minute. I’m not daunted despite everything that’s happened.”

The charity Nick is supporting, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust today said: “It is confirmed. Nick Talbot has become the first person with cystic fibrosis to reach the summit.”

Nick and his team of 12, led by veteran climber David Hamilton, are expected to reach Base Camp in the coming days providing the weather stays calm.

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis aged 12, Nick has been on pioneering medication which has allowed him the climbing career which has brought him to Everest for a third time.