Princess Kate made a personal donation to an 11-year-old boy she met while climbing Ben Nevis during her 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge.
The Princess of Wales crossed paths with Ted Haslam, a wheelchair user taking on the same mountain challenge with help from family and friends, while she was completing the endurance event for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
BreakingNews.ie reported that Kate later donated to Ted’s JustGiving page and left him a personal message.
“One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way,” Kate wrote, according to the report. “Huge congratulations to Ted, Pete and the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause.”
Princess Kate Donated to Ted Haslam’s Fundraiser
Kate made the donation after meeting Ted during the Ben Nevis leg of her challenge. People reported that the donation appeared under the name “Catherine Wales” and was signed with a “C.”
People reported that the donation was between £1,000 and £2,000. BreakingNews.ie reported that Ted’s JustGiving page, set up by his father Pete Haslam, had raised more than £11,000.
Ted’s team was raising money for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity that supports children with serious illnesses. People reported that the charity had previously provided Ted with play equipment while he was hospitalized.
Ted’s Team Was Raising Money for Molly Olly’s Wishes
View this post on Instagram
Ted was completing the challenge with help from family and friends, who maneuvered his wheelchair up and down the mountains. People reported that Ted was paralyzed after being diagnosed with an aggressive spinal tumor at age 3.
The fundraiser’s description said Ted is a wheelchair user, but added that his wheelchair has “never been the thing that defines him.” The page also said he had already climbed Snowdon twice and had previously reached the summit of Ben Nevis before attempting the full Three Peaks Challenge.
People reported that Kate checked in with Ted during the mountain encounter, asking whether he was cold and speaking with him about his “lucky mascot,” a stuffed animal tied to the Molly Olly’s charity.
Kate Met Ted While Climbing Ben Nevis
Kate met Ted while climbing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. BreakingNews.ie reported that Ted was also taking on the Three Peaks Challenge with his family and friends.
The Princess of Wales climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours over the weekend. ITV News reported that she started Saturday evening and completed the challenge to raise money for the hospital where she was treated for cancer.
ITV News reported that Kate completed the challenge solo, with support en route from Mountain Rescue. The trek covered 23 miles, with a total ascent of more than 10,000 feet.
The Three Peaks Challenge Was Personal for Kate
Kate said she took on the National Three Peaks Challenge not only as a physical test, but as a way to “explore life beyond diagnosis” and give something back.
“The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life-changing for so many people,” she wrote in a social media message, according to ITV News.
Kate said she wanted to raise awareness of the wider impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare. ITV News reported that The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity launched a dedicated fundraising page tied to the challenge, with money raised going toward wider access to holistic cancer care.
Kate Was Greeted by Her Family at the Finish
After completing the challenge, Kate was greeted by Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother James Middleton, according to ITV News.
Kensington Palace said it believed the expedition marked a royal first, with Kate becoming the first member of the royal family to complete the Three Peaks Challenge.
ITV News also reported that another hiker, Jacky Leung, was left “speechless” after unexpectedly meeting Kate on Ben Nevis. Leung said Kate smiled, waved and asked whether he had made it to the top yet.