Young fundraisers from Bellshill have achieved a remarkable feat by conquering Ben Nevis to raise vital funds for Children 1st, Scotland’s national children’s charity. April Aitken and Jessica Williamson-Donald, aged eight and nine, respectively, and both students at Lawmuir Primary School, successfully climbed the highest mountain in the UK and raised over £1,240, surpassing their initial fundraising target of £200.
The funds raised by April and Jessica will support Children 1st in their mission to protect children from harm and assist them in recovering from trauma. This incredible endeavour is part of a series of climbs the girls embarked upon since spring, scaling Munros named after their schoolhouses. Their journey culminated in the completion of Ben Nevis, standing at 4,411ft, in late September.
Reflecting on their achievement, April expressed her exhaustion and pride upon reaching the summit of Ben Nevis. The duo also conquered three other mountains – Ben Lomond, Ben Vorlich, and Schiehallion – braving varying Scottish weather conditions to accomplish their goal. Looking ahead, April and Jessica are now aiming to conquer all 282 Munros across Scotland.
April’s mother, Sara, commended the girls for their determination and perseverance, highlighting their unwavering commitment to raising funds for Children 1st. Jessica’s mother, Tracy, echoed the sentiment, applauding the girls for exceeding their fundraising target and showcasing exceptional resilience throughout their journey.
Mary Glasgow, the chief executive of Children 1st, expressed gratitude towards April and Jessica for their outstanding fundraising efforts, acknowledging their dedication in scaling the UK’s tallest mountain. She emphasized that every donation received will contribute towards supporting children and families during challenging times.
The duo’s remarkable achievement has garnered praise from their community, with plans to continue their philanthropic efforts by climbing all Munros in Scotland. Their initiative and compassion serve as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the impact that even the youngest members of society can make in supporting those in need.
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