INTREPID Alex Stanniforth, who is scaling the highest peaks in 100 UK counties for Young Minds Trust, ascended the highest point in West Sussex, at Blackdown, as part of his latest charity challenge.

Members of Haslemere Border Athletics Club walked a 5.5-mile circuit from Haslemere Recreation ground to the trig point and back with the 21 year old in support.

“It was a fabulous afternoon and a lot of fun accompanying Alex on his challenge,” club member Annick Hollins said.

“This was Day 51 with 21 days to go till he completes his challenge.”

Young Minds Trust is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the mental health of children and it has personal meaning for Alex, who has already climbed Mount Everest twice to raise greater awareness.

“Climb The UK will take me on a different journey,” he said.

“I will be climbing to the highest point of all 100 UK counties, in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales – over 5,000 miles in 72 days, walking, cycling and even kayaking where needed.

“It will touch every corner of the UK and spread the message that mental illness is not a sign of weakness.

“I can understand the problems young people face because I’ve been there.

“Mental health has often been a bigger challenge to me than attempting to climb Mt Everest. I have raised over £60,000 for charities through my outdoor exploits so far, but only recently has the mental health crisis in young people really come to my attention. We hear it all the time, and I suddenly feel the need to do something to fight this battle against a hidden but very real illness.

“In autumn 2016, I attempted to climb Cho Oyu, the sixth highest peak in the world, reaching 7,125m. Since then, Climb The UK was born.”

• Support Alex at www. justgiving.com/climbtheuk