The Princess of Wales has made a donation to an 11-year-old wheelchair user she met while climbing Ben Nevis as part of a gruelling 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge that raised money for the hospital where she was treated for cancer.
Kate, 44, scaled Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon — the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales respectively — within 24 hours, starting on Saturday evening. She trekked a total of 23 miles, ascending 3,064 metres and travelling around 462 miles by road between the locations. Kensington Palace said they believed the Princess is the first member of the Royal Family to have completed the expedition.
“Princess Kate donated to a boy she met on Ben Nevis after completing the Three Peaks Challenge for cancer charity.”
Along the way, while climbing Ben Nevis, she came across Ted, an 11-year-old wheelchair user who was completing the same challenge with the help of his family and friends. They were raising money for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity which supports children with serious illnesses.
On Monday, Kate donated to Ted’s cause on JustGiving, leaving a message: “One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way. Huge congratulations to Ted, Pete and the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause.” The JustGiving page, set up by Ted’s father, Pete Haslam, has currently raised more than £11,000.
The page describes Ted as a wheelchair user but says “Determination does” define him. “This isn’t his first mountain. He has already taken on Snowdon not once, but twice, proving his resilience and spirit. Last year, he stood proudly at the summit of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.”
Kate carried out the challenge solo, supported en route by Mountain Rescue. She was greeted at the end by the Prince of Wales, her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and brother James Middleton.
The challenge raised money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the hospital in Chelsea, West London, where Kate was treated after being diagnosed with cancer in March 2024. She underwent chemotherapy there.
After finishing at the summit of Snowdon — known as Yr Wyddfa — Kate shared a touching message to other cancer survivors. She said: “Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported.
“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, and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.
“Bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain or landscape you’re walking through.”
In a video she filmed before she started, she explained partly why she was doing it: “I’m so grateful to be here, to be strong enough to walk these hills. But, more importantly, it’s to give something back and acknowledge, really, all the incredible work going on up and down this country.”
The Princess has joined forces with the Royal Marsden to launch a fundraising page where all donations will go towards providing holistic care at the London hospital.
In a photograph at the misty summit, Kate could be seen wearing her sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which belonged to William’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales.