The Height Of Achievement

A young adventurer from Kelsall has overcome the odds to complete a remarkable challenge, writes PAUL MACKENZIE

- Paul Mackenzie

AS A schoolboy, Alex Staniforth could not have imagined the heights he would hit. Because of his stammer, there were times when he would hide in the school toilets to avoid speaking in class. He was bullied and struggled with eating disorders, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression.

Now 22, he is an accomplished public speaker who has twice attempted to scale Everest, has written one book and is about to start work on a second, and has recently completed a gruelling physical and mental challenge.

Alex is now resting back at home in Kelsall after scaling the highest peak in each of the 100 counties around the UK, covering more than 5,000 miles on bike and on foot.

‘I found the outdoors when I was about 14 and it became my escape,’ he said. ‘I stammered and was bullied which led to mental illness and low self confidence. School was pretty difficult for me. I manage my stammer with therapy and techniques but it was crippling. I would hide in the toilets to avoid speaking in class. I couldn’t say my own name and it made social interaction very difficult. I felt very bad about myself. I was bullied physically and verbally.