SPEEDO Mick climbed the first of the UK's three peaks yesterday in the midst of his "final stomp" from John O'Groats to Lands End.

Speedo Mick, whose real name is Michael Cullen, has become a cult hero over the past few years after walking almost every inch of the UK in his trusty Everton swimming trunks.

Raising more than £800,000 over the past eight years, his extraordinary challenges include a 2,500-mile trek around the British Isles in 2021, with the 58-year-old walking through St Helens and staying at the Eccleston Arms on his penultimate stop before Liverpool.

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St Helens Star: Speedo Mick with staff at the Eccleston ArmsSpeedo Mick with staff at the Eccleston Arms (Image: Speedo Mick)

Hoping to finish his challenges with a total of £1 million in donations, Mick has now reached the summit of Ben Nevis on his "final stomp".

This will see the 58-year-old climbing the UK's three tallest mountains and walking 1000 miles from the tip of Scotland to the edge of England.

Suffering from depression, addiction, and homelessness earlier in his life, the money Mick raises goes toward The SpeedoMick Foundation, which is then distributed to grassroots charities that focus on mental health, homelessness, and disadvantaged young people.

Fundraising following his own struggles

Speaking to the Star at the Eccleston Arms after his British Isles stomp, Mick said: "The SpeedoMick foundation is set up to support mental health, disadvantaged young people, and homelessness - basically all the stuff I've experienced.

"I've also suffered from addiction but I'm 19 years clean and sober now. This is why I do it, I'm trying to give back and of course, challenge myself."

St Helens Star: Mick with another incredible fundraiser, Andy ReidMick with another incredible fundraiser, Andy Reid (Image: Speedo Mick)

Reaching the summit of his first mountain in Scotland on Monday, January 15, Mick plans to walk 15 miles a day for around two to three months.

With England's Scafell Pike and Wales' Mount Snowdon left to climb, Mick will finish his final stomp at Lands End in Cornwall.

He promises that he will be hanging up his "blue knickers" for good after this last challenge, due to the physical impacts of the walking and wanting to spend more time with his family.

St Helens Star: With all the support he has received, Mick said he is never alone on his walksWith all the support he has received, Mick said he is never alone on his walks (Image: St Helens Star)

Despite walking solo through all weather conditions, Mick told the Star that he is "never on [his] own" with all the support he has received over the years.

And while he has often thought that his body may not be able to physically finish some of his challenges, Mick said that he will "never, ever give up".

He added: "When I challenge myself, I want to know that I'm working for every penny that gets donated.

"I've found out a lot about myself since getting clean and sober. I believe in myself and I believe that I can complete the challenges that I set myself - even though the challenges are way out.

"The fact of the matter is, I'm willing to have a go."

To support Mick's incredible efforts on his final stomp, you can donate to his fundraising page here.

St Helens Star: Making his way through St Helens during his 2021 British Isles trekMaking his way through St Helens during his 2021 British Isles trek (Image: Speedo Mick)