A CHESTER teenager who has turned his life around has been put forward for a Your Champions gong.
Alex Staniforth, of Bramley Court, Kelsall, became the youngest person in history to successfully tackle the Three Peaks Challenge solo, raising £1,700 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Red Endangered Animal Connection Trust (React).
His proud mum Debbie Brooks, who put forward Alex for the Young Person of the Year category, said: “My son Alex has really achieved against the odds. When he was younger, Alex had epilepsy, which led to lots of issues. He also developed a stammer which played a big part in his low self-confidence and his school life being so stressful for him.
“Some of these issues will stay with Alex for life – but one thing he no longer lacks is self confidence.
“He has turned his life around alone and he is a credit to himself, the local community and other kids who feel he is a perfect role model.
“He is a keen runner and came second out of more than 500 in the Tatton Park 10k in March. He is also a talented wildlife photographer and set up www.cheshire-wildlife.co.uk to try and inspire others to care for local wildlife.
“He carried the Olympic torch in Chester in May and has also been involved with epilepsy and stammering charities to try and inspire other sufferers.
“In July he climbed to the summit of Mont Blanc to raise more than £6,000 for Cancer Research UK and React. He was also made the ambassador for React this summer and is already planning his next project – Mera Peak in the Himalayas.
“I am so proud of what he has achieved so far at just 17 years old and although Alex does this for the satisfaction of making the world a better place, I think he is a perfect candidate for this award.”
