How I Survived One Of Mount Everest’s Deadliest Disasters

In this episode of OMG Stories: Up Close, Alex Staniforth shares the extraordinary story of surviving one of the deadliest disasters in Mount Everest's history — and how the experience completely changed his understanding of success, risk and what really matters in life. Growing up in Chester, Alex struggled with epilepsy, a stammer, bullying, anxiety and panic attacks. At 14, he discovered the outdoors and became captivated by one seemingly impossible goal: climbing Mount Everest. What began as a way to prove himself eventually took him to the Himalayas while still a teenager. His first Everest expedition in 2014 ended before the climb had truly begun after an avalanche claimed the lives of 16 Sherpas. Determined to return, Alex went back the following year — only to find himself caught in the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake and the avalanche it triggered on Everest. At just 19 years old, Alex was knocked from his feet by the force of the avalanche and briefly believed he was about to die. He survived, but three members of his expedition team lost their lives and Alex was left trapped high on the mountain for two days before being evacuated. 🎙️ In this episode, Alex discusses: Growing up with epilepsy, a stammer and anxiety Being bullied and struggling with his confidence Discovering the outdoors at 14 Why Mount Everest became his ultimate goal Attempting Everest while still a teenager The 2014 avalanche that ended his first expedition Returning to Everest determined to try again Being on the mountain during the 2015 Nepal earthquake The moment an avalanche hit him at nearly 6,000 metres Believing at 19 years old that he was about to die Being trapped on Everest for two days Losing three members of his expedition team Coping with depression and trauma after returning home Why he eventually stopped chasing the Everest summit Using endurance challenges to support mental health Founding the charity Mind Over Mountains Why he no longer feels he has anything to prove From a teenager determined to prove his doubters wrong to surviving disaster on the world's highest mountain, Alex's story is an incredible conversation about resilience, mental health, ambition and learning that sometimes the biggest mountains we face aren't physical ones. 🎙️ OMG Stories: Up Close – real conversations with people living extraordinary lives. 🔔 Subscribe for more incredible real-life stories every week.