MOUNT Everest is a colossal challenge for even the most experienced mountaineers, but imagine scaling the peak while suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Nick Talbot hopes to raise £100,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust as he attempts to become the first person suffering from the illness to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain.

This year, the 38-year-old, whose parents bought a house in Kentmere in 1986, benefited from revolutionary medication which can only help a small percentage of sufferers, and his health has improved.

However, for the other 96 per cent, it is a ‘race against time’ to find more scientific breakthr-oughs, he said.

“I’ve been really fortunate in life. I have a good career and, apart from a couple of near- death experiences when I was younger, my health has usually been better than most people.

“With a breakthrough coming in what is a race against time for some people, every contrib-ution will help save lives.”

Cystic fibrosis is a life-short-ening inherited disease affect-ing more than 10,000 people in the UK. It is caused by a defective gene and, as a result, the intern-al organs become clogged with thick sticky mucus, leading to infections and inflammation.

“I am more susceptible to lung infection. I am slower than most people, and my lung capacity is lower,” added Mr Talbot who, in 2011, summited Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world.

“I am inspired by the many sufferers whose every day, ev-ery step, and every breath is a challenge.”

The former Lancaster Univ-ersity graduate, now a director for a London surveying firm, will tackle the 8,848m mountain as part of a professional group due to leave the UK on March 29.

He added: “I never set out to climb Everest. It was a case of well I’ve done that, what can I do next?”

You can donate to Mr Talbot at www.uk.virginmoneygiving. com/CFvs.Everest