NEWPORT adventurer Richard Parks has been forced to pull out of his expedition to Everest.

Mr Parks was taking part in an expedition aiming to climb the highest mountain in the world without using extra oxygen, when he had to pull out due to medical complications.

The former Newport Gwent Dragons star was also attempting to become the first person to collect a blood sample and muscle biopsy from the summit of Mount Everest when rare medical complications were discovered over the weekend in Camp two on Everest.

An update, posted on Mr Parks’ website last night (THUR), said that Professor Damian Bailey took an arterialised blood test on Mr Parks before his last climb to Camp two earlier that planned.

Professor Bailey wanted to look at how the period Mr Parks had spent above the Icefall had impacted on his acclimatisation ahead of the summit bid.

Despite positive Haemoglobin levels and an excellent response and adaption to hypoxia, further samples found an abnormally high red blood cell count and haemoglobin level- posing a dangerously high risk of life-threatening complications.

Mr Parks, alongside his science team, left Wales for Nepal at the end of March. It was hoped that the mammoth challenge, part of Project Everest Cynllun, a British research expedition would showcase the effects of extreme altitude on the body and mind.

He said: “It’s been a bitter pill to swallow.”

“I am confident of my process to make the decision. It’s the right one. I’m at peace, but it’s been a brutal few days.”

He added: “I am not prepared to risk my life over and above the risks I have considered, trained and prepared for, or risk the lives of those around me. Any incident above Camp 3 would realistically mean a massive rescue incident or that I’m left there to die – I’ve climbed over dead bodies on Everest before.

"Also, the negative legacy of such egotistical behaviour could jeopardise further scientific expeditions on the mountain. This is about so much more than my own personal desires.”

His performance director, Professor Nicola Phillips explained: “Whilst the scientific study is a primary aim of this expedition, Richard’s health in this extremely dangerous situation has to take priority.

"After considering the advice from everyone involved there was no other option but to withdraw. Richard has shown incredible professionalism in making this decision and in considering all implications, including the safety of the team around him.”

Mr Parks thanked his team and those who have supported him, adding: “I would like to thank all the people who have followed the project and sent me good luck messages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, they mean so much.”