Barefoot fundraiser plans 24-hour mountain challenge

A man from Worcestershire is planning to climb up and down Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) as many times as possible in 24 hours, completely barefoot.

Josh Mantle, from Stourport, will begin the challenge at 01:00 BST on 11 October and has described it as the "hardest challenge of [his] life", but says it is all in aid of KEMP Hospice.

The 20-year-old said he was inspired by another barefoot climber he met on Wales' tallest mountain, which "lit something inside" him.

"I thought that looks crazy," he said, adding, "and me being the crazy person that I am, I thought I would give that a go."

Mantle is aiming to complete at least three ascents and descents of the mountain in Gwynedd, although a fourth "would be absolutely amazing".

To prepare, he has been conditioning his feet with rubbing alcohol to strengthen his soles.

He added: "I'm also going over Mount Snowdon a lot on my own, and I'm training with weight on my back.

"When I'm doing it on the day without any weight and my friends will be there supporting and carrying all the bags, it should feel a lot easier."

The challenge comes after two knee operations, with a third planned following an ACL injury sustained while skiing.

Mantle said: "People think I'm pretty crazy, and it's safe to say they think I'm mad, but my friends and family know what I'm like; I like a challenge.

"I'm looking forward to it. I wanted to see what I'm capable of and if my knees hold up and I'm able to do this, then I'm sure I'm capable of anything."

Despite the physical demands, Mantle believes his biggest battle will be mental.

"But I'll be focused on the end goal, why I'm there, and that's raising funds for a great charity.

"What they go through is a lot worse than what I'll be going through on the day, and that's what is driving me.

"My feet hurting for a few days is nothing compared to what some people go through."

He developed an affinity for KEMP Hospice, based in the Wyre Forest, after visiting the charity as a schoolboy.

Mantle's original fundraising target was £500, but he has already raised £1,500 and has now increased his goal to £2,000.

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