Parks is closing in on the end of his epic 737 Challenge © Getty Images

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News: Parks completes epic challenge

Features: Hitting new heights

Players/Officials: Richard Parks

Teams: Wales

Pictures: Richard Parks finishes his epic challenge by reaching the top of Mount Elbrus on Tuesday

External Links: 737 Challenge - Donate | 737Challenge.com

Former Wales international Richard Parks has reached the summit of Mount Everest in the latest stage of his epic quest to climb the seven highest mountains and reach the north and south poles in the space of seven months.

Parks reached the roof of the world at 2.57am UK time on Wednesday in the seventh leg of his unprecedented challenge, which is raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Parks was joined by double Olympic gold medal rower Steve Williams, who won gold at the Athens and Beijing Olympics, and who hit the summit of Everest at 5.25am UK time having also joined Parks in reaching the north pole just 44 days ago.

Parks, who broke down in tears when he reached the top of Everest, has two summits remaining in his sights, which he hopes will push funds raised through the £1million barrier. "It's hard to really put this in to words, it's just the most amazing feeling," Parks said. "There's just the most amazing mountains, clouds as far as the eye can see. One way's Nepal, the other Tibet."

The 33-year-old, who played for Leeds, Perpignan, Newport Gwent Dragons and the Barbarians, was forced to retire from rugby two years ago after suffering a shoulder injury. If he manages to scale Denali in Alaska and Russia's Mount Elbrus, Parks will become the first man in history to stand on the world's seven highest summits and three poles - Everest is considered the third pole - in a calendar year.

His latest achievement was hailed by David Pickering, chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union. "I want to congratulate Richard for an historic achievement which keeps him on track to achieve a goal many believed was beyond the capabilities of endurance," he said.

"To summit Everest is a remarkable achievement in itself but given what Richard has already put himself through in recent months it is truly amazing. He should be proud of himself as a credit to his friends and family, his nation and to the sport of rugby in which he first proved his physical prowess as a first rate player."

His words were echoed by Roger Lewis, the WRU's Group chief executive. "Richard has already achieved goals on the 737 Challenge expedition which prove he is an incredibly determined athlete," he said. "Now I wish him a safe journey onwards in the knowledge he is capable of achieving astonishing goals through his determination and skill."