He and his regular trekking companion Euan Smith had planned to tackle the 5,109 m (16,763 ft) peak together in memory of Hungerford Town Football Club stalwart Ray Brown, who sadley passed away last year.

But Mr Smith fell ill early on in the eight-day, 74km round trip expedition and had to return home.

Mr Taylor said: “It was clear that Euan’s life would have been in danger had he continued. However he also knew I had to go it alone, albeit with nine guides and porters to assist me.

“It was easily the hardest trek I have ever done, or will ever do. Four of the days were spent in wellington boots tramping through ankle-deep bogs in the pouring rain a- nd the final ascent up the Margherita glacier in crampons to the summit will live forever in my memory.”

Mr Taylor said he was spurred on by the generosity of all those people and organisations that supported him in his quest to raise money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of Mr Brown.

His original target was £1,000 but that has been easily beaten as the figure raised has now passed £3,000.

Donations can still be made by visiting www.JustGiving.com/MountStanley