A teenager from Kelsall has described being 'scared for his life' after being hit by an avalanche on Mount Everest triggered by a massive earthquake in Nepal.

Alex Staniforth, 19, has now abandoned any thoughts of making his second attempt at conquering the world's highest peak in the wake of the natural disaster that has killed 2,000 people.

Alex is lucky to be alive after being hit by an avalanche while on the mountain, triggered by a powerful earthquake that has led to the deaths of 17 climbers at Everest Base Camp (EBC).

A posting on his website alexstaniforth.com states: "He (Alex) is very worried for those at EBC, is in shock and has described being scared for his life as the avalanche went through them."

He himself wrote: "Many great people and friends have been swept away. Any thoughts of continuing in the face of such tragedy obviously ruled out."

The blog explains that Alex has spoken to his family by satellite phone. He says an airlift is starting for climbers like himself at camp 1 to move them lower down the mountain to Everest Base Camp.

Alex, who has overcome many difficulties in his life including epilepsy and a stammer, was making his second attempt to conquer the highest mountain in the world.

This was after he was forced to cancel last year’s bid following a huge avalanche that left 16 Nepalese Sherpa guides dead.

Alex was already raising money for those affected by last year's avalanche. He asks that people support in any way they can.

About 2,000 people are thought to have died in yesterday's powerful quake that struck Nepal, wrecking many historic buildings.

The quake measured 7.9 and struck an area between the capital Kathmandu and the city of Pokhara, the US Geological Survey said.

Tremors were felt across the region, as far afield as Pakistan, Bangladesh and neighbouring India.

As well as raising funds for Himalayan Trust UK, Alex is also is supporting the Alex Staniforth Adversity Fund, which helps people in Cheshire with mental health, bullying and disability issues to live a healthy active lifestyle.

He is also being sponsored by Active Cheshire and The Westgrove Group, who recently named him as their first Young Ambassador.

For more details, visit Alex's Justgiving page.