A FORMER paratrooper has moved closer to completing an incredible global climbing challenge after scaling South America's highest peak.

Injured Afghanistan war veteran Terry Byrne, 32, is a member of the Adaptive Grand Slam team who are trying to make it into the Guinness World Record books by reaching the top of the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents and then walk unsupported to the North and South Poles.

Terry, who lives in Colchester with wife Katie and six-year-old son Harry, reached the top of Argentina's Mount Aconcagua alongside his team, who have already completed missions to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Elbrus in Russia.

For some members of the group, this was their second attempt at Aconagua as they were forced to abandon a climb due to severe weather conditions in December 2015.

Terry was injured leading a brigade operation in Afghanistan in 2008 when he stepped on a pressured pad improvised explosive device meaning he lost the little finger on his right hand and had to have his right leg amputated below the knee

The group are raising money for the Adaptive Grand Slam Foundation throughout their gruelling challenges which aims to raise funds for a range of disabled charities.

He said: "I am delighted the team were all able to safely summit Mount Aconcagua together and this means that we’re now officially halfway to achieving our ultimate goal.

“It is fantastic that this mission was supported by wealth management company Quilter Cheviot and their backing was so important in ensuring that we can pursue our dream.

"I am now looking forward to our next challenge of taking on the highest peak in Indonesia, the Carstensz Pyramid, in November.”

David Loudon, chief executive at Cheviot, said: “The Adaptive Grand Slam Foundation is a remarkable charity.

"We are so pleased to hear of the team’s success in its bid to summit Mount Aconcagua and this achievement will hopefully help to spread the message having a disability does not prevent anyone from accomplishing incredible things.

“We understand just how gruelling these types of challenges can be and how much commitment they require which is why we wanted to support team. "We wish them the very best of luck as they continue in their attempt to achieve their world record.”