A gruelling stairmaster challenge event held in a popular Hitchin gym has raised a whopping £1,500 for local charity Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT).

Alex Robertson-Cox clocked up an ascent of 8,849m, the equivalent of climbing to the top of Mount Everest, non-stop over 16 hours.

No stranger to big climbs, Alex has already conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and several ultramarathons in his bid to get fit and raise as much money as he can by undertaking these superhuman challenges.

For his latest challenge, Alex chose Hertfordshire charity, Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT) who support young people from 11-24 facing mental health difficulties with their unique coaching approach called the Four Corners Method.

The method combines traditional life coaching practices to problem solve and empower its young people with physical body movement such as boxing.  

Speaking after the challenge, Alex said: "This was an incredible event and I fell so supported every step of the way.

"Having good friends around and my mate Darren even joining me on parts of the challenge was a real boost.

"It was taxing on the legs but the support from RAW kept me going. I hope that the money raised will go some way to helping the teenagers working with GRIT manage their struggles somehow."

On choosing GRIT as his charity, Alex says: "GRIT stood out for me as they're local, unique and helping youngsters. I have 3 children of my own, and I want to show them along with every other teenager that we all have the 'you can' in us.

"All you need is a bit of confidence, resilience and determination to overcome the impossible – which I think GRIT are helping to teach to the young people they work with."

The fundraiser took place on Saturday 21 September in Hitchin's RAW gym.

"Gym staff and owner Mark Flint offered their professional support, a DJ set and dedicated fans to cheer him on. The gym raised more money on the day by hosting a raffle and PT sessions with all proceeds going to GRIT to add to Alex's tally. Alex's many friends and family came along to support him, as did staff from GRIT.

To find out more about Alex's fundraiser and see the total amount raised, head to his Justgiving page - https://www.justgiving.com/page/alex-robertson-cox-1722175848741