The Princess of Wales donates to help paraplegic boy, 11, she met on gruelling Three Peaks challenge

The Princess of Wales surprised a young boy she met during her Three Peaks challenge over the weekend by donating to his JustGiving page.

Catherine conquered Britain's three highest peaks within 24 hours on Saturday to support cancer patients across the nation.

During her ascent of Ben Nevis, the future Queen paused to speak with Ted Haslam, an 11-year-old boy from Sutton Coldfield who was being pushed and carried up Britain's highest mountain in a wheelchair.

Ted's team of 15 friends and family members, including his father Paul, a mountaineer, was undertaking their own Three Peaks attempt to raise money for Molly Ollys, a Warwick-based charity supporting children with life-threatening illnesses.

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The young boy was left paralysed at the age of three after being diagnosed with an aggressive spinal tumour.

Since she has returned home, the Princess of Wales has now donated to the young boy's fundraising page, adding a heartwarming message.

"One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way," she wrote.

"Huge congratulations to the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause. C."

The young boy was left paralysed at the age of three after being diagnosed with an aggressive spinal tumour.

Since she has returned home, the Princess of Wales has now donated on the young boy's fundraisinug page, adding a heartwarming message.

"One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way," she wrote.

"Huge congratulations to the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause. C."

While the sum that the princess donated is undisclosed, Ted has now raised more than £11,000, standing at 224 per cent of his original goal of £5,000.

On the day, Catherine approached the group at the summit, joking about the poor weather conditions and asking Ted: "How are you doing, Ted? You're not too cold?"

She praised his achievement, telling him: "I'm so impressed, really, you've made it to the second peak. Super, well done you."

Ted's team completed their challenge in 30 hours.

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Another hiker, Jacky Leung, encountered the princess as she made her way up Ben Nevis while he was descending from the summit.

Mr Leung initially spotted camera operators photographing what he described as a "very lean female hiker" before realising he was looking at the future Queen.

He recalled being "speechless" and unable to greet her properly in the moment.

When Kate asked if he had reached the top, he confirmed he had, prompting her to say: "Well done!"

When Kate asked if he had reached the top, he confirmed he had, prompting her to say: "Well done!"

Mr Leung responded: "Thank you! You're so inspiring!"

He noted that the princess then "power-walked up with very strong spirit" and that most hikers failed to recognise her as she passed.

His companions did not notice her at all, he said, describing the challenge as "a serious test of grit" and praising Kate's "immense strength and spirit".

The princess scaled Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, beginning her expedition on Saturday evening and completing the demanding route to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The gruelling undertaking covered 23 miles of mountain terrain with more than 10,000 feet of total ascent, requiring 462 miles of driving between the Scottish, English and Welsh summits.

Kensington Palace confirmed the expedition represents a royal first, with Kate becoming the inaugural member of the Royal Family to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge.

Mountain Rescue teams provided support throughout her solo endeavour.

Catherine's decision to undertake the challenge carries profound personal significance, having received treatment at The Royal Marsden Hospital following her cancer diagnosis in early 2024.

She underwent chemotherapy and announced her remission in January 2025.

In a message released after completing the trek, the princess wrote: "Cancer doesn't just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally."

She emphasised the importance of holistic healthcare alongside clinical treatment, with funds raised supporting research into integrating supportive care as standard practice nationally.

The Prince of Wales, their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, along with Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and brother James, welcomed her at the finish line.

The Royal Family's official social media account posted: "Congratulations to The Princess of Wales."

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