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Last Updated: Monday, 6 June, 2005, 08:33 GMT 09:33 UK
Student climbs into record books
Jake Meyer
Jake reached the summit of Everest on Saturday
A student has become the youngest Briton ever to reach the top of the "seven summits".

Jake Meyer, 21, from Tetbury in Gloucestershire, reached the top of Mount Everest at the weekend.

The challenge involves climbing the highest mountains in each of the seven continents and has been completed by only 150 people.

Jake began climbing at 13, and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the first summit on his journey, aged 15.

Jake's father Hugh said: "Jake is thrilled to bits. He is feeling suitably tired but very relieved that it is now done.

Unfortunately, getting to the top is only half the story - you have to get back down afterwards.
Jake Meyer

"He is back at base camp, where there is lots of food and lots of water and he can have a bit of a wash."

The University of Bristol science student was pipped to the post in his attempt to become the youngest non-Sherpa to reach the top of Everest by a 20-year-old American woman who reached the top last Wednesday.

He now faces the gruelling journey down the mountain to safety.

Speaking to BBC News 24, Jake said: "Unfortunately, getting to the top is only half the story - you have to get back down afterwards."

Jake also raised money for the Children's Wish Foundation charity by climbing Everest.

For part of the journey, he travelled with the explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, whose own attempt on the summit was abandoned on Saturday for health reasons.

Hear Jake Meyer talking about his achievement

Student scales seven mountains
06 Jun 05 |  In Pictures

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