Berkeley pupil climbs UK's highest peaks to raise cash for cancer charity

Finley Stone, 10, a pupil at Stone with Woodford Primary School, pledged to walk Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis this summer to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK.

Walking with his parents and family dog, Bo, Finley conquered his third and final peak, Ben Nevis, at the end of June, completing the challenge in just eight hours.

Finley’s mum, Alice Stone said: "About a quarter of the way up Ben Nevis, Finley hit a bit of a wall and felt he couldn't go on, but he got such fantastic support from the other walkers, it really spurred him on.

"And at least when you get higher up, the midgies disappear.

"As a treat for Finley for completing the walk, we booked us all on to the Hogwarts Express, the steam train used in the Harry Potter movies, as a surprise.

"It's a steam train on the West Highland Railway Line, which crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct that features in the Harry Potter films.

"We all enjoyed that, even the dog," she said.

Finley decided to take on the three peaks challenge for family friend Gina Nutley from Cromhall who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and in memory of his grandfather, Martin Brookes, who suffered from cancer and sadly died just four weeks before Finley was born.

For Finley’s mum, Alice Stone, Finley's fundraising efforts are a source of immense pride.

"Me and his dad are so very proud of him," she said.

Alice also shared some wonderful news about family friend, Gina, who inspired Finley to take on the three peaks challenge.

"Gina is now cancer free.

"That's thanks to people like Finley, who help by raising money for Cancer Research," she said.

Finley’s original fundraising target of £500 has already been smashed, with an amazing £1,287.97 now raised, with more donations yet to be added to the final total.

To make a donation, visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/finley-aged-10

Cancer Research UK helps fund research into cures and treatments for cancer.