An art teacher overcame his fears to raise almost £2,000 for charity.

Alex Pierides, of Millers Green Close, in Enfield, took on the daunting three peaks challenge in Rio De Jeneiro to raise money for deprived children across the world.

The charity Street Child World Cup led Alex and 40 supporters on the trek up the Pedra Da Gavea, which stands 840m above sea level, the 550m Dois Irmãos and finally to the 710m peak of Corcovado, 710m on Monday, November 17.

If the thrill of reaching three peaks in less than 12 hours was not enough, the thought of your footballing hero welcoming you at the finish line was enough to keep Alex going.

Brazil World Cup winner and former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva was at the Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain to congratulate all those who took part.

Mr Pierides said: “The Rio 3 peaks challenge is the most unique sporting trek I’ve ever experienced or seen before.

“Climbing 2,000m in 11 hours, meeting former street children and getting closer to the work that the Street Child World Cup does has been inspirational.

“A real highlight was collecting my medal at the top of Corcovado from my footballing hero Gilberto Silva.

“I can’t wait to keep in touch with everyone I’ve met out here and spread the word more about the rights of street children across the world.”

John Wroe, CEO of Street Child World Cup, added: “The Rio 3 Peaks Challenge may seem crazy but so is the fact that children are living and working on our streets across the world.

“This is not OK and we are raising awareness and funds to support the rights of these children to a better future.”