Kelsall's Alex Staniforth hopes to be the youngest ever Briton to conquer a 7,129m-high mountain in eastern Nepal this weekend.
The eighteen-year-old’s trek to the summit of Baruntse forms part of his preparations for a charity climb up Everest in spring 2014 when he will attempt to raise more than £29,035 (one pound for every foot of Everest) for animal charity REACT and Clic Sargent who support young cancer victims.
An enthusiastic mountaineer, tireless fundraiser, outdoors enthusiast and environmental campaigner, Alex’s past achievements include previously holding the record for the youngest solo 3 Peaks Challenge and carrying the London 2012 Olympic Torch.
Alex, who has been training in the Lake District and Snowdonia with a 45lb pack told Chester radio station 106.3: “It’s all very good being good in the gym but it’s not going to help you up there. It’s all in your head.”
He talked about the dangers of altitude sickness and hopes to acclimatise before heading to the summit which is not far from Everest but quieter and more remote.
Alex, who is supported in his quest by adventurers Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Sir Chris Bonington, is the official ambassador for the Red Endangered Animal Connection Trust (REACT). In 2012 he climbed Western Europe’s highest peak Mont Blanc and won the Diana Award for ‘Courageous Citizen’.
Alex, who suffers from epilepsy, has been sponsored by Pulford mobile messaging company Textlocal. Managing director Darren Daws commented: “As a company we are extremely proud to be sponsoring Alex for his Everest and Baruntse challenges. Alex is an inspiration to anyone who wants to overcome difficulties and achieve something truly remarkable in life.”
For more information on Alex’s plans and how to support him, visit: www.alexstaniforth.com
