I WAS doubly amazed to learn about Billingham soldier Matt James’ amazing feat on October 27, climbing Roseberry Topping 28 times – the height of Everest – to raise money for the mental health support group Mind You Don’t Forget.

Firstly, having climbed Roseberry Topping countless times, I would never have thought it remotely possible to do it so many times in one day. Matt must be a person of exceptional determination and fitness, both physical and mental. Secondly and coincidentally, this very morning I struggled up Roseberry on the steep south eastern side and certainly wouldn’t have liked to have done even one repeat performance.

On such a bright clear morning, the views from the rocky summit were spectacular: of the moors, the Pennines, Teesside, County Durham, the river and the sea. I stood by the white trig point all alone; a rare event on the summit of such an iconic, popular hill.

We live in a wonderful area full of wonderful people, like Matt, who put others before themselves.

Cllr Steve Kay (Ind), Redcar & Cleveland councillor.