An inspirational explorer set to be the first man with Parkinson's to climb Mount Everest has died.

Wantage adventurer Alex Flynn has passed away in Nepal ahead of his planned trip to scale the world's highest mountain next year. 

The 49-year-old was just 36 when he was diagnosed in 2008 and dedicated his life to completing adventures including a 3,256 mile voyage across the US to raise awareness for the condition. 

His family said they had been left with "broken hearts" following his death. 

A spokesperson for Mr Flynn said: “With broken hearts, we must announce the passing of a great man. Alex Flynn, Dad, Soulmate, Brother, Friend, Adventure, Runner and all round nutter finally crossed his last finish line.

“He went out exactly how he would have wanted to, off the high of having completed another adventure on top of the world about to step into a helicopter ready to take on the next challenge.

“If you would like to raise a glass; it’s a whiskey and if you would like to make a donation. The family would like you to donate to the local charity based in Wantage where Alex lived: Parkinsons.me.”

Wantage MP David Johnson has paid tribute to Mr Flynn, saying he did a "fantastic job" of raising awareness right up until his final day. 

Writing to Twitter, the politician wrote: “When I spoke to him last year I couldn't believe how much he'd achieved - more than most of us ever will. He did a fantastic job raising awareness and money right up until his final day.”

Mr Flynn's story about his quest to be the first man with Parkinson's to scale Mount Everest only appeared in the Oxford Mail last Thursday. 

Speaking previously, Mr Flynn said he believed it was important to change minds around terminal conditions.

He told the Oxford Mail: "People [with Parkinson's] ‘lose a little part of themselves’ every day, which over time ‘leads to a lack of confidence and a loss of self-worth’.

He said: “There are so many people out there with neurological diseases and so many feel isolated, alone, ostracised, and made to feel different because people simply don’t understand them.

“I want to change that. I want to show people what’s possible and raise awareness of the humanity behind the disease.”

After his diagnosis Mr Flynn completed a number of tough challenges including a 160-mile run in the Bavarian Alps, an ultra-marathon in the Sahara desert, a 450km expedition in the Swedish Arctic, and a 3,256-mile voyage across the United States by bike, kayak and on foot.

During lockdown, he climbed the equivalent of 4.6 times the height of Everest by undertaking a vertical marathon on his stairs at home.

Mr Flynn hoped to climb Everest next year and had already scaled Mount Blanc in preparation for the challenge.

His last adventure saw him tackle the Nepalese Mera Peak in the Himalayas.

Prior to his death Mr Flynn described how with a neurological disease such as Parkinson’s, people ‘lose a little part of themselves’ every day, which over time ‘leads to a lack of confidence and a loss of self-worth’.

He said: “There are so many people out there with neurological diseases and so many feel isolated, alone, ostracised, and made to feel different because people simply don’t understand them.

“I want to change that. I want to show people what’s possible and raise awareness of the humanity behind the disease.”

The adventurer hoped to inspire people to tackle their ‘personal Everest’, whether that is getting across their living room or going to the shops.

You can donate to Parkinson’s.me on virginmoneygiving.com.