UK adventurer is climbing hills to raise money

A 21-year-old adventurer has been trekking up Hoy’s Ward Hill today, as part of a challenge to climb the highest points in every county in the UK.

Alex Staniforth, from Cheshire, has spent the last week climbing some of the highest peaks in Scotland’s and will travel down the country’s east coast, tackling the rest, after visiting Orkney and Shetland, as part of his Climb the UK trek.

With the challenge, he hopes to raise £10,000 for Young Minds UK  — a charity which strives to improve the well-being and mental health of children and young people.

Alex has suffered from mental health issues himself since he was a boy and although he’s already attempted Everest twice, he says dealing with anxiety, depression and an eating disorder has been far more difficult than climbing the highest mountain in the world.

“Mental illness is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with – far more difficult than climbing Everest. But we need to DO something about it.

“Everyone has their own mountain to climb and my big message over the next few months is that if you’re suffering from mental health issues, please speak out, tell someone you trust, visit the Young Minds website and seek help – it’s NOT a sign of weakness.”

Donations can be made to Alex’s challenge here.