A Bath teenager has raised hundreds of pounds for local charity Developing Health & Independence by climbing the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland.
Leo Bagby, 14, took on the three peaks challenge organised by his school, Beechen Cliff, in the blazing heat over the weekend of 29th June – 1st July 2018.
Once started, the three highest points of Scotland, England and Wales had to be completed in one continuous journey moving from one to the next with only comfort breaks in between.
He reached the peak of Ben Nevis (4409 ft) at 4pm on 30th June, Scafell Pike (3,209 ft) at 5am on 1st July and finally Snowdon (3,560 ft) at 8pm on 1st July.
His £354 of sponsorship money has been donated to the charity Developing Health & Independence to be used for their young people’s service, Project 28.
Leo said: “My uncle died due to cancer six years ago. He got the disease from chewing betel, excessive smoking, and drinking from a very young age.
“He was diagnosed with mouth cancer and by then could not be saved. My uncle could still be alive if there had been someone who could have advised him about the ill effects of drugs and alcohol.
“I feel that charities like Project 28 make a difference not only in the lives of people with substance misuse habits but also in the lives of their friends and family.”
Rosie Phillips, DHI Chief Executive, said: “I want to thank Leo and all of the people that sponsored him. This money will help turn around the lives of young people living in Bath & North East Somerset, who are struggling with drug or alcohol problems.
“Project 28 gives young people a safe and welcoming environment to discuss and get help for their problems.
“It’s very common that young people who see us don’t just have a drug or alcohol problem in isolation, but it is connected to something else like domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, mental health difficulties or parental substance misuse.
“We are often the first agency to pick up on these problems, so we always want to be able to work with as many young people as possible. Fundraisers like Leo help us to do that.”
