AN adventurer is urging young people across County Durham to speak out about their mental health issues.

Alex Staniforth, ambassador for the youth charity, YHA, has just completed an epic 72-day, 5,000 mile challenge called #ClimbtheUK, which involved him climbing the highest points in all of the UK’s 100 counties, including Mickle Fell, in Teesdale.

Mr Staniforth completed the challenge to raise awareness of young people’s mental health as well as raise more than £22,000 for the mental health charity YoungMinds.

The trek involved him travelling more than 5,000 miles on foot, by bike and in a kayak, with him describing it as his ‘new Everest’ - which he has attempted to climb twice before.

Mr Staniforth was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child and also had to overcome a bad stammer, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, bullying, low self-esteem and eating disorders which the condition triggered.

He said: “Mental illness is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with – far more difficult than climbing Everest."

"Everyone has their own mountain to climb and my big message over the last few months has been that if you’re suffering from mental health issues, please speak out, tell someone you trust, visit the Young Minds website and seek help – it’s not a sign of weakness.

He added: "Talking about it is a sign of strength.”

To donate to YoungMinds or for more information about the trek visit justgiving.com/climbtheuk