The Princess of Wales has made a donation to support an 11-year-old paraplegic boy she met during her recent charity trek. Princess Catherine climbed the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – finishing the demanding route within 24 hours over the weekend.
Meeting Ted Haslam on Ben Nevis
Whilst on Ben Nevis, Catherine met Ted Haslam, a young wheelchair user who also took on the Three Peaks Challenge that day. He completed the challenge with the support of a team of family and friends. Ted is raising money for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity that supports children with serious illnesses.
While the amount of the donation is not visible, Catherine sent an emotional message to the 11-year-old, which read: “One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way. Huge congratulations to the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause.” She signed the message with her initial “C”.
Previous Mountain Challenges
The Three Peaks Challenge was not Ted’s first encounter with a mountain. He had already taken on Snowdon twice, and last year, he conquered Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. His fundraising page on Just Giving read: “This challenge is about more than mountains. It’s about showing what’s possible. It’s about pushing limits, inspiring others, and making a difference.”
Royal Family Support
Princess Catherine was welcomed at the finish by the Prince of Wales, their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – as well as her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother, James Middleton. Kensington Palace said they believed the expedition was a royal first, with the princess being the first member of the Royal Family to complete the Three Peaks.
The royals celebrated the undertaking, with the monarchy’s official social media account posting: “Congratulations to The Princess of Wales.” Catherine revealed she had taken on the trek, not only as a physical endeavour but “to give something back” and raise awareness of the wider impact of serious illness. In a video released on Sunday, the princess said she had met some “incredible people” living with and beyond cancer, adding: “I know personally how difficult that journey is.”
