446 Challenge: A Climb for Hope
In June 2025 I became the first and fastest person to run and cycle between all 446 mountains in England & Wales in a continuous, self-powered journey
The challenge entailed:
- 3,069km on foot and bike
- 101,721m of elevation gain – the equivalent of climbing Mt Everest 11.5 times!
- From Dartmoor through the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, the Pennines, Northumberland and finishing in the Lake District
- 45 days – beating the previous record of 6 months
The 446 summits – known as the Nuttalls – stand over 610m with at least 15m of prominence. I was supported by a motorhome crew, but was entirely human powered – moving between the peaks without any motorised transport.
The list of summits has changed over the years due to re-surveys and new measurements, with the current number of Nuttalls now given at 442. For continuity I climbed the previous list of 446 that was climbed by my friend James Forrest in 2017, the previous record holder. A big thanks to James, Will Renwick and Mike Murray who were a huge inspiration and very supportive with my planning.
But the mountains were not my main reason for doing this. Suicide is now the biggest killer of people under 35 in the UK. Every day, we lose five young lives. In June I turned 30 but too many young people won’t hit that milestone.
I’ve fought through anxiety, depression and an eating disorder since the age of 16, and the outdoors helped me find a way forward when things felt impossible. That’s why we founded Mind Over Mountains. I set a target of £100,000 for our Project 500 campaign to provide essential mental health support to those who need it most.
So far we have raised £37,797 which could fund at least 108 people to experience a fully-funded weekend retreat, or 370 people to attend a day walk, with professional mental health support and respite in nature.
Can you help us hit our goal? It’s not too late to donate!
- Donate – every £ brings us closer. www.justgiving.com/page/446challenge
- Route – view the tracker here>
- Download the app – on Android and Apple
- Share the story – Help us spread the message and start the conversations that save lives
Let’s move mountains for mental health — together.
Challenge Partners
Thank you to my major challenge partners for making the journey possible.
Challenge Supporters
Having the most reliable equipment is paramount for a journey of this scale. Thanks to my supporters for donating gear, product and services for the duration.
Peak Sponsors
Thanks to the following brands for sponsoring one of the 446 summits and donating to Mind Over Mountains!
Thanks so much for coming down to talk with the team. You absolutely hit the brief – everyone has been talking about it ever since. It also encouraged one or two people to open up about their own anxieties and stories later in the day. And we had some really healthy conversations.”
– 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
The team were blown away and left feeling incredibly inspired. I know for some in my team who are struggling at the moment it would have resonated even more. I also know everyone has left feeling and thinking differently because of you, in a really positive way.
— Sue Harries, Digital Director, Screwfix
Alex collaborated with my team in preparing for the event in such attention to detail, ensuring his talk would not only resonate but inspire the audience. And that it did! Feedback received from participants was exceptional, so many inspired to push outside of their comfort zone and to see what opportunities lie ahead.
Natalie Prempeh – People Director, Samsung Electronics UK
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
What a refreshing delight Alex is! Authentic, funny, passionate and simply genuine in every word of his heartening journey shared. If you’re looking for a real example of resilience and winning in the face of adversity – Alex is your man.
– UK Sales Director, Kellanova
Alex’s story of resilience, courage, and overcoming adversity is nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to connect deeply with each member of the audience, sharing practical takeaways on perseverance and mental strength, was impactful and memorable.
– Jamie Radford, CEO, Accounts Payable Association
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
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
What challenges are you facing?
Alex would love to help you take that first step.