Kendal man approaches end of 446 peaks in 50 days challenge
Alex Staniforth is raising money for his own mental health charity.
A Kendal man is nearing the end, and should complete today, England and Wales' 446 summits – known as the Nuttalls.
Alex Saniforth is raising money for his own charity, in the hope that people are able to access mental health support as and when they need it.
On his own website he said: "It’s a challenge that excites and scares the hell out of me in equal measure. I’ll be supported by a motorhome crew, but will be moving between the peaks without any motorised transport.
"At 29, I’ve fought through anxiety, depression and an eating disorder, and the outdoors helped me find a way forward when things felt impossible. That’s why we founded Mind Over Mountains. I’ll be aiming to raise £100,000 for our Project 500 campaign and provide essential mental health support to those who need it most.
"The list of summits has changed over the years due to re-surveys and new measurements, with the current number of Nuttalls now given at 442. For continuity I will climb the previous list of 446 that was climbed by my friend James Forrest in 2017. A big thanks to James, Will Renwick and Mike Murray who have been a huge inspiration and very supportive with my planning.
"But the mountains are not the main reason I’m doing this. Suicide is now the biggest killer of people under 35 in the UK. Every day, we lose five young lives. In June I turn 30 but too many young people won’t hit that milestone.
"£100,000 could fund at least 226 people to experience a fully-funded weekend retreat, or 1,000 people to attend a day walk, with professional mental health support and respite in nature."