At just 27, Alex has already survived the two biggest disasters in Mount Everest history as a teenager.
Alex Staniforth is a record-breaking adventurer, ultra-endurance athlete, author and charity founder from Cheshire who is no stranger to overcoming challenges.
By 19 years old Alex had already overcome and achieved more than many will in a lifetime. As a teenager he survived the two most significant disasters in Mount Everest history, in two consecutive years. However, his biggest mountains have been much closer to home: epilepsy, bullying, mental ill health and a stammer since childhood.
Alex never allowed this to become his identity – only his experience. Re-framing adversity as an opportunity for growth has given him a unique drive to inspire young people to achieve their own ‘Everest’.
This is not your typical success story of reaching the summit. Alex takes his audiences on an emotional journey of resilience, courage, failure, teamwork and triumph over adversity.
After single-handedly raising over £35,000 in corporate sponsorship whilst still at school, Alex’s first attempt to climb Mount Everest in 2014 was abandoned following a tragic avalanche that took sixteen lives. In 2015 he was trapped at Camp 1 for two days following the Nepal earthquake and an avalanche which took the lives of three team-mates at Base Camp.
Alex has continued to push his limits and re-define success, raising over £100,000 for charity and publishing two books, Icefall and Another Peak. In 2017 he became the fastest person ever to climb all 100 UK county tops by bicycle, foot and kayak, covering over 5,000 miles in 72 days, and winning a Pride of Britain award. In 2020 he completed the National Three Peaks on foot, running 452 miles in just 9 days 12 hours, and founded Mind Over Mountains, a charity to restore mental well-being through nature, working in partnership with the NHS.
Alex openly shares his own mental health journey to encourage conversations and challenge stigma. Resilience is more than simply ‘bouncing back’: it’s how we recharge and move forwards through the challenges ahead.
As an inspirational speaker, Alex has been trusted by schools both in the UK and internationally, and regularly speaks for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award presentations at Buckingham Palace and award evenings.
What goals and challenges are your students facing?
Book Alex and take the first step out of Base Camp.
With an unassuming, frank and relatable style, Alex delivers his expertise through inspirational keynote presentations and workshops in person, virtually and hybrid – ideal for awareness days, assemblies, award evenings and more.
Presentations are typically 30-60 minutes with Q&A, but Alex will work meticulously with your brief to understand your challenges and what a successful experience would look like for your students.
Cumbria
Please enquire for pricing information.