Hartlepool Miles for Men supporter set to scale new heights with ambitious double three peaks challenge

Alan Hansen will push himself to the limit to climb the British three peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon, plus the three highest mountains in Yorkshire, in one go.

The challenges are usually undertaken separately, and quite a feat on their own.

The 36-year-old is raising money and awareness for Hartlepool-based Miles for Men.

He pledged to help the community charity after meeting founder Micky Day on a sponsored walk in aid of a mutual friend who died of cancer.

Alan, from Widnes near Liverpool, who previously served with the Royal Signals, said: “I promised Micky I would do something big for him this year because like every charity they’ve struggled the last year.

"We’re both similar characters and I can relate to his sense of community spirit and Miles for Men is something I really wanted to get involved in.”

HGV driver Alan plans to complete the challenge in under 40 hours. He will start by scaling Ben Nevis in Scotland at midnight on July 10 before being driven to Scafell Pike in the Lake District.

From there he plans to head across to climb Yorkshire’s three tallest peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent, before concluding by climbing up and down Mont Snowdon in Wales.

Alan said: “This is a unique challenge as opposed to the national three peaks which has been done a million times.

"Only three people have finished it and I want to be the fourth. When I set my heart on something I’m not going to fail and don’t want to let anyone down who sponsors me.

"I’m confident we’re going to raise a fantastic amount of money.”

Alan discovered a love for hiking after years of drug and alcohol issues which led to depression.

He hopes to inspire others who are in a bad place.

Micky Day, who is planning to be part Alan’s support team for part of the challenge, said: “I just think it’s absolutely amazing, it’s a big ask.

"He could have done it for anybody but he believes in Miles for Men and what we do.”

To sponsor Alan visit ‘Milesformen 6 peak challenge’ at justgiving.com

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