Hartlepool man's amazing challenge-a-month takes another twist - he has completed a marathon on a mountain!

Former Royal Marine Scott Standing, 32, had already climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon to raise money for the town-based mental health charity MindsForMen/WellnessForWomen.

Now he has completed a marathon on a mountain! After finishing it, he admitted: “They are the biggest hills I have seen in my life.”

Scott hopes to do a challenge per month for the rest of 2020 and the Andover Trail Marathon was his September contribution. His fundraising has already topped £1,000 towards a £2,020 target.

Scott wants to create positivity and active mental health at a time when many people have faced struggles during the lockdown. His next project is the Wooler half marathon and it promises to be another massive ask.

But his hope is that he can get people to become more active. He said one person who has followed his story had done a five mile run and he added: “My Facebook account does seem to be more busy at the moment.”

Looking back on the Andover Trail Marathon, he said: “It was 26 miles on some of the biggest hills of my life.”

It came just weeks after he tackled the Three Peaks Challenge on his own even though he faced travel sickness, leg cramps and a fear that he wasn’t going to complete the challenge in the 24-hour time frame.

Scott’s aim is to promote an active lifestyle in an effort to reduce mental health issues. He is using the hashtag #ActiveMindHealthyMind to encourage others to get into shape.

To support Scott’s ongoing efforts, visit here.

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