A Hitchin gym is set to play host for a man taking on a gruelling 16-hour “Mount Everest climb” for a mental health charity.

Alex Robertson-Cox, from Biggleswade, is planning a non-stop stair master challenge equivalent to climbing from sea level to the top of Mount Everest – 8,849m.

Hitchin's Raw Gym will be Alex Robertson-Cox's venue for his non-stop Mount Everest challenge.Hitchin's Raw Gym will be Alex Robertson-Cox's venue for his non-stop "Mount Everest" challenge. (Image: Google)

This is all in aid of Growing Resilience in Teens in hitchin, which supports young people from 11 to 24 facing mental health difficulties.

RAW gym will host on September 21, and will also support Alex and his by offering additional fundraising activities throughout the day.

When asked why he chose GRIT, father of three Alex said: “GRIT stood out for me as they’re local, unique and helping youngsters. I want to show my kids 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 is helping to teach to the young people they work with.”

Alex caught the “adrenal fuelled buzz”, following his own body transformation in 2022. He described how he “fell in love” with endurance and began training for ultramarathon then climbed Kilimanjaro.  

A conversation with his friends quickly inspired his next challenge.

He added, “Friends asked me ‘what’s next, Aff? Mt Everest?’”

Alex is looking to take on his newest challenge!Alex is looking to take on his newest challenge! (Image: JustGiving)

To find out more about Alex's fundraiser go to his JustGiving page:  https://www.justgiving.com/page/alex-robertson-cox-1722175848741

GRIT utilises a unique coaching approach combining traditional life coaching practices to problem solve and empower its young people with physical body movement such as boxing. 

Mark Flint, owner of RAW gym, and the coaches will be offering ‘pay as you feel’ PT coaching sessions, access to the gym and a circuits class to all including non-gym members.

There will also be a charity raffle and DJ set to spur on Alex and gym attendees.

To attend the fundraiser, head to Hitchin's Raw Gym which can be found near the station.To attend the fundraiser, head to Hitchin's Raw Gym which can be found near the station. (Image: Google)

"We're really excited to support Alex and GRIT in this fundraising event because we believe it will help to bring the RAW community together to support young people's mental health, something we are really passionate about." said Mark.

Surrounding local businesses including Elite Gym will also be involved in the fundraising efforts.