Sir Richard Branson and his son ‘seconds from death’ on climb

Sir Richard Branson and his son Sam came seconds from death as falling rocks “the size of small cars” crashed over their heads before they reached the summit of Mont Blanc.

The billionaire businessman said he felt there was “definitely a friendly star above our family” as they had to scramble behind large boulders during the dramatic incident.

He told the Press Association the team of climbers were picked up by a helicopter after reaching the summit as they agreed the path back down was not worth the risk.

The 68-year-old, along with Sam and his nephew Noah Devereux reached the top of the mountain on Saturday after completing the 33-day Virgin Strive Challenge – a 2,000km trek across Western Europe.

A core team of 13 hiked, climbed, cycled and even used sea kayaks to complete their journey from Sardinia to the top of Mont Blanc – raising money for the charity Big Change which helps disadvantaged young people in the UK.

In an interview with the Press Association after the climb, Sir Richard said: “God forbid, a few seconds earlier it would not have been as pretty – so I’m very thankful we got through it.

“There’s definitely a friendly star above our family and it keeps a watchful eye over us.

“Three seconds earlier and we would all certainly have been killed.”

He continued: “I have never come so terrifyingly close to losing my son and other team mates and it all happened in a matter of seconds.”

Picture: PA. Sam with dad Sir Richard and cousin Noah Devereux in the Alps.