I will attempt to climb to the summit of Mount Everest, 29,035ft high, aged 19 in May 2015. Hopefully becoming the 2nd youngest British man to climb it- the final of the seven challenges forming my EPIC7 project through Adversity.
I WILL BE FUNDRAISING FOR: - Himalayan Trust UK, in support of the mountain people of Nepal who were badly affected by the 2014 Everest avalanche tragedy which killed 16 climbing Sherpas.
- Alex Staniforth Adversity Fund, administrated by Active Cheshire, will support people in Cheshire facing adversity, in particular helping people with mental health, bullying and disability issues lead a healthy and active lifestyle. This is incredibly powerful as I'm extremely passionate about making a very real difference and creating a legacy to aid lots of people through difficulties in their lives, particularly those I faced in my earlier life.
N.B:
The total sum of money raised by the Alex Staniforth Adversity Fund will be taken to a select panel headed by myself and 100% of the money raised* will be used to support local people who have been impacted by bullying, mental illness and disabilities.
Active Cheshire will match fund Alex Staniforth Adversity Fund up to £5000 in support of the work the fund will contribute towards supporting people with mental health issues and disability issues lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
*please note no management fee will be taken for the organisation of this panel. Any JustGiving fees will be deducted from the total raised.
EPIC7: Following my unsuccessful Everest 2014 attempt, I founded the EPIC7 project- a series of 7 ultra endurance challenges with a twist designed to push my limits mentally and physically, build momentum and fundraise for the Everest 2014 avalanche victims.
The challenges so far include:
1) The Fred Whitton- toughest cycling sportive in the UK completed solo/unsupported in approximately 9 hours, 115 miles, approx 12,000ft ascent.
2) The Welsh 3000's Solo- climbing the 15 highest peaks in Wales over 3000ft unsupported/solo in sub 24 hours. 18 hours 45 minutes, 32 miles and over 12,000ft of ascent.
3) Chester2Chamonix- cycling from Chester to the French Alps solo/unsupported in 8 days. 880 miles and carrying all my own gear.
4) Dom des Mischabel- climbing the highest peak in Switzerland, 4545m. The greatest vertical ascent in the Alps with over 1600m ascent in 6 hours.
5) Solo 3 Peaks Cycle Challenge- cycling between and climbing the 3 highest peaks in the UK solo and unsupported. 4 days, 440 miles and 26 miles walking.
6) The Great Glen Way (to be completed!)
The expedition: This will take place as a 64-day expedition from late March-early June in a team led by 4-time British Everest summiteer Tim Mosedale. We will approach base camp via a 3 week trek from Lukla and spending many weeks at base camp to acclimatise and perform numerous 'rotations' on the mountain where we progress higher each time through the Khumbu Icefall to Camps 1, 2, 3 and eventually Camp 4 (South Col) from which we will make our summit bid, when a weather window allows towards later in May.