Meet Alex
This isn’t your typical success story about climbing Everest...
Alex is a record-breaking adventurer, ultra-endurance athlete, inspirational keynote speaker, author and founder of mental health charity, Mind Over Mountains. At 28, Alex has already overcome more than many will in a lifetime - surviving the two most significant disasters in Mount Everest history in two consecutive years, as a teenager. However, his biggest mountains have been much closer to home.
Born in Chester, England, Alex had a ‘normal’ and comfortable start to life until, at nine years old, he was diagnosed with a mild form of epilepsy. Whilst this was brought under control by medication, it was the catalyst for other challenges: bullying, anxiety, panic attacks, and a lifelong stammer. This left him stuck in a victim mindset and feeling like he was never good enough. For the record, he was also hopeless at sport and detested PE!
But fatefully discovering the outdoors taught him that we can’t always choose our challenges in life, only how we respond. Alex refused to let these challenges become his identity: only his experience.
At 14, Alex was invited on his fateful first hill walk in the Lake District, UK. For the first time he found a sense of freedom, direction and an opportunity to think big - and a curiosity which inspired the question: "Where is Mount Everest?". This question captivated him. Climbing to the summit of the worlds’ highest peak seemed like the ultimate achievement and triumph over adversity.
With this new-found purpose he began pursuing challenges head on: from paragliding to rock climbing, to scuba diving and hill-walking, to redefine his own perceived limits. He completed the National 3 Peaks Challenge at 16 and climbed Mont Blanc in 2012 before heading to the Himalayas for the first time in 2013 to attempt Mera Peak (6,476m) and Baruntse (7,129m).
His first attempt to climb Everest in 2014 at 18 years old ended in disaster with an avalanche which tragically killed sixteen people and cancelled the expedition. He returned in 2015 and was moving through the Khumbu Icefall as a huge earthquake struck Nepal and took the lives of three team-mates at Base Camp, whilst his team were trapped on the mountain at Camp 1 for two days. His first book 'Icefall', endorsed by Bear Grylls, tells the full story.
“Had I been in that tent at base camp, what would I have left behind?”
Inspired by the Sherpas' resilience, Alex resolved to turn tragedy into something positive. He began fundraising for Nepal by cycling the height of Everest in one day and organising Walk4Nepal on the anniversary of the earthquake to raise money for PHASE Worldwide and support the rebuilding process in Nepal.
Two Everest disasters have gifted Alex a unique perspective on success and failure, and a new purpose to inspire others and leave something bigger behind. As an inspirational speaker he has shared his story with hundreds of companies, conferences and schools across the UK and internationally - despite a lifelong stammer!
In 2016 Alex reached 7,125 metres on Cho Oyu, the sixth highest peak in the world. In 2017 he became the fastest person ever to climb all 100 UK county tops by bike, foot and kayak, covering over 5,000 miles in 72 days, winning the Pride of Britain Granada Reports Fundraiser of the Year. Alex's second book, Another Peak, was published in 2019, before running the National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing and running 452 miles between the UK’s three highest peaks in 9 days 12 hours.
There's always another mountain to climb. Having suffered with depression, anxiety and bulimia as an endurance athlete he shares his experiences to open the conversation and tackle stigma: especially when suicide is now the biggest killer of people under 35.
The outdoors has always been Alex's therapy for dealing with life's peaks and troughs, and he believes everyone should have access to our 'Natural Health Service'. In 2020 he co-founded Mind Over Mountains, a UK charity restoring mental health through therapeutic outdoor experiences, with his mentor Chris. He was awarded a Points of Light award by the Prime Minister in 2023.
Now based in the Lake District, he is often found in the local fells and continually looking for the next big challenge.
We all have our own Everest in life. Sometimes the biggest risk is staying in base camp, and failing to take the first step.
What's your Everest?
You were “pitch perfect” today and delivered a sincere and compelling story of inspiration.”
– Chief People Officer, Randstad Sourceright
Your session was fantastic and the content still buzzing around the room today, and I have to admit I re-quoted a few key messages in my closing remarks too. Lasting memory and something I will take back to practice ‘just think what we can achieve if we pull in the same direction’ – inspired!”
— National Chair, HEFMA Leadership Forum
His ability to quickly grasp the messages specific to our team and then weave this into his delivery was impressive. His authentic and humble articulation enabled there to be something in the messaging for everyone”
– Jonathan Ford, Off Trade Director, Heineken UK
Thanks so much for coming down to talk with the team. You absolutely hit the brief – everyone has been talking about it ever since”
– Gas Contract Manager, National Grid
I was particularly impressed with the preparation and tailoring Alex was able to do to make the message even more pertinent to our business – it was a truly inspirational session summed up by one comment “I can’t believe you just paid us to listen to that!”
– Robert Neale, GM Core Manufacture, Rolls-Royce Submarines
Your presentation was riveting, engaging and inspirational. We have received such overwhelming feedback on how your story resonated with the team and how it was what they needed at such an appropriate time”
– Seema Hallon, Head of Office Dubai, DERIV
Sometimes the approach to mental health within organisations as big and cumbersome as ours can feel a bit of a tick box exercise, but your sessions felt very different, very humble, very real and very authentic.”
– Chris Mead, Chief Superintendent, Cambridgeshire Constabulary
It was an absolute pleasure co-ordinating and speaking with Alex. From our first online meeting to regular email communication we knew Alex would be the perfect fit for our students. His presentation was inspiring and the students were mesmerized.
— Clare Dixon-Clarke, Intercommunity School, Zurich
Your story-telling skills are second to none and I believe you have had an incredible impact on a lot of people by being vulnerable, sharing your struggles and letting us into your world”
– Alix Wright, Internet Fusion Group
International Compliance Association enjoyed a hugely inspirational and thought-provoking talk from Alex Staniforth yesterday. The distillation of his own personal challenges and incredible experiences into practical, helpful advice makes for a highly compelling session.”
– Rob Phillipson, International Compliance Association
What challenges are you facing?
Alex would love to help you take that first step.