MOUNTAINEER Alan Hinkes is returning home this week after contracting a bronchial infection while attempting to conquer one of the world's highest peaks.
The climber, from Northallerton, had to be flown from base camp to the capital of Nepal, Katmandu, two weeks ago after suffering breathing difficulties while climbing Kanchenjunga.
He has been on a course of antibiotics but decided to give up when his condition did not improve.
It is the second time he has failed to climb the mountain. In May 2000 his attempt was thwarted by bad weather.
Mr Hinkes said: "I don't really want to have to turn my back again but with the season coming to an end, time is against me."
The peak is one of two he has yet to climb before he can claim to have completed Challenge 8000, which demands he climb all 14 of the world's peaks which are higher than 8,000 metres.
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