Inspirational ARS walk

A couple of weeks ago, ten members of ARS (Audlem Ramblers Society) plus one extremely enthusiastic dog, enjoyed a lovely 12 mile walk in the Peak District. It was a walk encompassing moorland (with splendid views), woodland, a lakeside stroll (with ice cream) and finally, a walk through the pretty upper Goyt Valley.

The first hour was a trifle dismal whilst the drizzle disappeared, but, as we reached Shining Tor (at 559m, the highest point in Cheshire) we were greeted by flapping pennants and balloons adorning the Trig point.

It turned out we had coincided with the arrival of Alex Staniforth supported by his family, for the very beginning of his latest challenge, #ClimbTheUK, to raise money for the charity Young Minds Trust as well as greater awareness of mental health issues.

Shining Tor was the very first part of what is a daunting challenge. On Saturday, in addition to ascending Shining Tor, he then ascended Cheeks Hill and Kinder Scout cycling between each peak and finishing at Edale for the night. His gruelling schedule can be found at:
http://alexstaniforth.co.uk/climb-the-uk/climb-the-uk-schedule-ctuk/

Alex Staniforth is a young adventurer, inspirational speaker, fundraiser and author from Kelsall Cheshire. Aged just 21, he has been on four expeditions to the Himalayas and made two attempts to climb Mount Everest, the second of which was ended by the two biggest disasters in Everest history.

Alex is no stranger to overcoming adversity, however – suffering mental illness, epilepsy, stammering and bullying in earlier life.

The Challenge?

• Climbing to the highest point of all 100 UK counties in 72 days, with 48 ceremonial counties in England, 13 historic counties in Wales, 6 in Northern Ireland and 33 historic counties in Scotland.
• Over 4,782 miles on bike
• 484 miles on foot
• 8km by kayak to the Isle of Wight
• 383,871ft of height gain.

Further details about this challenge, about Alex and how to donate to his chosen charity, Young Minds Trust, can be found on his website:
http://alexstaniforth.co.uk/climb-the-uk/

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