Local man attempts record-breaking mountain challenge for mental health
The challenge will culminate this Sunday
Last updated 27th Jun 2025
A mental health advocate from Cheshire is entering the final week of his record-breaking mission to summit all 446 mountains in England and Wales - in just 50 days.
Alex Staniforth, who is now based in Kendal, has already:
- Summited 350 mountains
- Covered 2,800km entirely on foot and bike
- Climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest 10 times
- Raised £27,500 for mental health charity Mind Over Mountains
Now, with only a few days to go, the finish line is in sight.
The challenge will culminate this Sunday (29 June), when Alex, who is originally from Chester, is set to climb Helvellyn, one of the Lake District’s most iconic summits.
The 446 Challenge, which began in May, marks the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Nepal earthquake, where he was caught in an avalanche while attempting to climb Mount Everest.
"breaking down stigma"
“I want to show that no mountain is insurmountable,” said Alex. “Too many young people, especially young men, struggle to find their way and may never reach life’s milestones.
"This challenge is my way of creating hope, breaking down stigma, and showing what we can achieve when we keep moving forward.”
Alex is attempting the first continuous, self-powered ascent of all 446 ‘Nuttalls’, peaks over 610m, without any vehicle assistance between summits.
The route has taken him from Dartmoor, through Wales, the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, and Pennines, and now into the final leg in the Lake District.
Funds raised from the challenge will help Mind Over Mountains, a charity Alex co-founded, supporting thousands of people get professional mental health support.
You can donate here.