HOWZAT

Mr Gauntlett, who was also a keen cyclist, made a living as a motivational speaker.

In March 2007, he and Mr Hooper set off on a journey from the North Geomagnetic Pole to the South Magnetic Pole using entirely human and natural power. For 13 months the adventurers travelled 26,000 miles from Pole to Pole.

They used methods including skis, dog sleds, cycling and sailing to cross land, sea and ice, becoming the first people to achieve the feat.

Their website states: “They are keen not only to emphasise the importance of protecting our environment through education and lifestyle choices, but also to ignite a flame in everyone they meet which pushes them to utilise their talents and achieve their ambitions.”

A spokeswoman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “I can confirm that two British nationals were killed in an accident in the French Alps.”

The pair were remembered at services today at St Mary’s Church in Petworth.

The Very Reverend Michael Till said: “This is very tragic news but what a wonderful life he enjoyed, however short it turned out to be.”

A tribute page has been set up on the social networking website, Facebook, called RIP Rob Gauntlett. One said: “I admired this man ever since I first heard about his Pole-to-Pole expedition.

“His loss is as tragic as it is untimely. Maybe it’s some consolation that he managed to pack more into his 21 years than most of us would ever in 70.”

Anna Gregory, secretary of the London and South East branch of the British Mountaineering Council, said that although she did not know Mr Gauntlett, he was an inspiration to climbers.

She said: “It was extraordinary when he did Everest.

“He was obviously a unique character and an inspiration. He had plans and wanted to gain records - we were looking forward to his next achievement.”

Of his death, she said: “The world is a sadder place for it.”

Mr Gauntlett faced numerous dangers on his earlier challenges.

During their climb up the 29,035ft Mount Everest, Mr Gauntlett and Mr Hooper, from Wellington, Somerset, struggled with illness and weight loss and had to brave storms above 7,000m.

Speaking from the summit in May 2006, Mr Gauntlett said: “James and I are really keen on getting the message out to young people to follow your dreams. This has been our dream for three years.

“Get out there, follow it up and make sure you make it happen.”

The teenagers’ expedition, which was paid for by corporate sponsors, raised money for Cancer Research UK. Their subsequent Pole-to-Pole effort aimed to raise awareness about climate change and prove to their generation it was possible to achieve the “impossible”.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Foxy Knoxy snared by her lust and her lies
• Britain is the land of the shrinking family
• Zac Goldsmith: Not such a green god