AN ADVENTURER has conquered every summit in the UK including the Black Mountain as part of a 5,000 mile challenge to raise mental health awareness.

Alex Staniforth is urging young people in Herefordshire to speak out about their mental health issues after travelling the country with his message.

The 72-day, 5,000 mile challenge - #ClimbtheUK, involved him climbing the highest points in all of the UK’s 100 counties, to raise awareness of young people’s mental health and raising over £22,000 for the mental health charity Young Minds.

The challenge which he completed on foot, by bike and in a kayak, stretched Alex’s limits physically and mentally. He described the challenge as his ‘new Everest’.

Alex has already attempted to reach the peak of Everest twice, only to be thwarted by avalanches, the second of which two years ago killed three of his colleagues.

Young Minds UK, the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people, is particularly close to Alex’s heart as he has suffered from mental health issues since he was a boy.

He was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was nine years old and has also had to overcome a bad stammer, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, bullying and low self-esteem and eating disorders which the condition triggered.

Alex said: “Mental illness is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with – far more difficult than climbing Everest. Everyone has their own mountain to climb and my big message over the last few months has been that if you’re suffering from mental health issues, please speak out, tell someone you trust, visit the Young Minds website and seek help – it’s not a sign of weakness. Talking about it is a sign of strength.”

As part of his challenge Alex was supported by leading youth charity YHA (England and Wales) which provided accommodation at Youth Hostels throughout the challenge, including YHA Brecon Beacons.

To donate to Young Minds, please visit www.justgiving.com/climbtheuk.