Kidney patient Tony Ward has successfully climbed Mont Blanc - while undergoing dialysis.

The 38-year-old Cumbria man, who has been on dialysis since 1998, made the climb with his wife Bridget and four other team members.

During the three-day expedition to reach the summit of Europe's highest mountain, Mr Ward had to undergo dialysis treatment.

After reaching the summit Mr Ward, who raised thousands of pounds for kidney research, paraglided off the peak.

Tony Ward: "It is a personal triumph"

The trip was meticulously planned to ensure dialysis exchanges could be successfully performed on the mountain.

Mr Ward underwent a rigorous training programme to achieve the levels of fitness required.

From the mountain Mr Ward said: "I am thrilled to have undertaken this challenge and I would like to thank my team members and, especially my wife for their support.

"It is a personal triumph for me, but I also hope it will show other people with renal failure that dialysis does not have to restrict your lifestyle."

Before his illness, Mr Ward worked as a mountaineer instructor and expedition leader in some of the remotest regions of the world.

'Lost stamina'

He added: "Before my kidneys failed, I was extremely fit and active, but as a result of my illness I lost both my strength and stamina as well as a lifestyle that I loved."

In 1999, he received a kidney transplant which was unsuccessful and he was offered peritoneal dialysis.

Unlike haemodialysis, a thrice weekly in-centre treatment, peritoneal dialysis (PD) is carried out at home using the lining of the abdomen as a natural filter.

Because of the conditions on the climb, Mr Ward could not use a machine and had to have assistance to have a manual form of dialysis treatment.