Molly the mountaineer
11-year-old Molly Wiggan is climbing the UK’s highest mountain to raise money for the Charlie Waller Trust. We talked to her about this epic challenge.
Ben Nevis isn’t just any old mountain. At 1,345 metres above sea level, it’s the highest mountain in the British Isles. In fact, located near the town of Fort William in Scotland, it’s the highest land in any direction for 739 kilometres.
So why is Molly taking on this arduous challenge with her dad, Andy? She explains:
“I’m climbing Ben Nevis to raise money and awareness for children’s mental health. I have a close friend who experienced severe mental health problems and it made me realise how important a charity like this is.”
Although she has taken part in a Scouts fundraiser for a homelessness centre before, this is the first time Molly has taken on something quite like this, so what is she looking forward to about it?
“I like walking,” says Molly, “because it is calming and you get lots of time to chat. I’m looking forward to the views and how beautiful the mountain will be. Hopefully it won’t be too foggy!”
Obviously, climbing the UK’s highest mountain isn’t something you just wake up and decide to do. Molly has been training seriously; we asked her how she found it. She says:
“It’s been quite fun, but the walks have also been very tiring, which is good because it prepares me well. It’s going to be uphill, so it will be very tough – I’ll have to work very hard.”
We think Molly is amazing for taking on this incredible hike. What would she say to any other young people thinking of taking a challenge for the Charlie Waller Trust?
“Just go for it and if you ever think of giving up, just remember why you’re doing it.”
If you’d like to support Molly in her fantastic fundraising efforts, please visit her JustGiving page.
