FOUR Kelsall businesses showed their support to a teenager aiming to become the youngest Briton ever to climb the southeast ridge of Mount Everest.

Fundraising Alex Staniforth is hoping to reach the summit of Everest via its southeast ridge in Nepal in Spring 2014, as part of a string of charity treks he has done to raise funds for Cancer Research UK and the Red Endangered Animal Connection Trust.

To help fund the £7,500 cost of the challenge, Kelsall businesses LL Barrowcliff Solicitors, Astle Planning and Design Ltd, Goodwin Planning Services and NW Design Ltd have all pledged their support by sponsoring Alex £1,000

The 17-year-old of Bramley Court, Kelsall, will fund the rest through various fundraising events and sponsorship for his latest charity challenge, climbing the 6476m high Mera Peak and the 7129m Baruntse mountains, in Nepal later this year.

The 30-day guided expedition, which Alex will use as essential training for his Everest attempt, will make Alex the youngest Briton ever to reach the summit of Baruntse.

He said: “Both are going to be really challenging climbs, much harder than I've ever embarked on, but I'm feeling confident and looking forward to the new experiences on beautiful and remote peaks.

“The main reason for my Baruntse climb is to provide an essential training climb for my Everest plans in Spring 2014.

“I’m attempting to become the youngest Briton ever to climb to the summit of Everest via it's Southeast Ridge in Nepal aged just 18 which has been my ultimate goal for many years.

“During my climb I hope to hit my target of £29,035 raised for REACT ( and CLIC Sargent UK, both causes I'm very passionate about.”

Alex added: “I have called it the 'Climb 4 Change' Everest expedition because I want to inspire other kids that they can overcome their obstacles and be the change they want to see in the world.

“That change for me is a world where people don't follow their crowd and where we use our natural environment sustainably.

TO FIND out more or support Alex on his mission visit www.alexstaniforth.com.