A TEENAGER has set his sights on becoming the youngest person ever to complete the gruelling National Three Peaks Challenge on their own.
Alex Staniforth, 16, from Kelsall, is confident of scaling the UK’s three highest mountains – Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike – in just 24 hours.
The Tarporley High School pupil will tackle the three peaks on July 5 and is aiming to raise £1,000 to be split between Red Endangered Animal Connection Trust (REACT) – which protects animals such as orangutans, bears and elephants – and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
The endurance challenge will involve 10 hours worth of car journeys, which is included in the time.
Alex, who is a budding wildlife photographer and nature enthusiast, is aiming to complete Ben Nevis in 5 hours 30 minutes, and both Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 3 hours 30 minutes.
He said: “The challenge includes 24 miles of walking and nearly 10,000ft of ascent.
“I'll be doing all of this walking and trekking completely on my own. My own navigation and experience will get me up the mountains.
“Not many 16 year-olds do the challenge solo. In fact, if I am successful then I will officially be the youngest person ever to do the 3 Peaks Challenge solo.
“I will be successful, the only thing that'll stop me is dangerous weather or an injury!
“I am being driven on the 900-mile journey by my stepdad who has kindly offered his services along with his nine seater minibus for plenty of space to stretch my aching legs.
“My itinerary includes me setting off up Ben Nevis at 5.30pm, which leaves me walking down it in the dark.
“Then I shall ascend Scafell Pike in the barely light dusk of the next morning and finish on Snowdon at midday to complete the challenge.”
Alex is being sponsored by Tarvin Cars and FocusSB, based in Sussex, who are covering fuel costs and donating to the charities, and Peckforton Castle who have donated £100.
