A TEENAGER from Kelsall has conquered the highest mountain in Western Europe and raised £5,700 for charity in the process.

Alex Staniforth, 17, will split the cash raised from scaling Mont Blanc between Cancer Research UK – in memory of his auntie Julie who died of a brain tumour in May – and The Red Endangered Animal Connection Trust (REACT).

The Tarporley High School sixth-form student was recently appointed as the ambassador of REACT so wore an orangutan costume at the summit, which is higher than 15,700ft, to help raise awareness of the life-threatening issues faced by the animal.

Alex, who climbed with a company called Dream Guides ran by record-breaking mountain guide Kenton Cool, admitted it was a gruelling task to reach the top but worth every minute when he got to see the ‘breathtaking’ view.

He said: “The altitude really hit me hard and I’d been out of training for three months prior due to a running injury which didn’t help.

“The air at the summit is just 57% of the oxygen at sea level so I felt pretty rough.

“We were the second team to summit that day – the experience was magical and the most amazing sunrise I’ve ever seen was the best reward when I reached the top.

“It was absolutely breathtaking and unforgettable.”

Last year, Alex became the youngest person ever to complete the gruelling National Three Peaks Challenge alone.

And back in May the nature enthusiast was one of the torchbearers when the Olympic flame was carried through Chester.