Cameron vows to climb seven peaks before seventh birthday in charity drive

Cameron vows to climb seven peaks before seventh birthday in charity drive

9 October 2024

A YOUNG Dromara boy is aiming to climb the seven peaks of the Mourne Mountains before his seventh birthday.

Cameron Thompson and his mother Natalina are aspiring to complete their ‘Seven Peaks Before Seven’ challenge in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK (PCUK).

Having recently lost a beloved family member to pancreatic cancer, Cameron was determined to make a difference for those suffering from this terminal illness.

“We were talking one day about the Mourne Mountains and how many there were and Cameron said he wanted to climb them,” his mum Natalina explained.

“We climbed Slieve Croob first because it’s a short climb to see how he would get on but he absolutely loved it. The day went in very quick and then we started talking about the idea of climbing the Mournes for charity.”

As it stands, the mother and son duo have conquered nearly all the peaks, including Slieve Donard – the highest of them all, with the hope of finishing the challenge by completing Slieve Commedagh in their final peak.

“It’s something we want to finish in the next two or three weeks,” Natalina said.

“We were recently contacted by Just Giving by the PCUK fundraising team who have offered fund-raising materials like tee-shirts and banners for his final climb.

“Cameron’s been loving every minute of the climbs. He’s six so we take it slowly and each time he gets to the top of a mountain he is rewarded with a pot noodle so that keeps him going.

“We’re having so much fun together,” Natalina added.

“You’d think walking with a child for hours that we would run out of things to talk about but we chat non-stop.”

Initially, Cameron was hoping to raise £200 for PCUK and set up the JustGiving page so his family in Scotland could support him.

However, he has now raised £1,400 for the charity and is hoping to raise as much as possible before his seventh birthday.

“The support he has had has been incredible,” Natalina said.

“The local community has been a great support placing charity buckets in local shops and Cameron’s school, Dromara Primary, has been posting his endeavours on social media. It’s been very touching.”

The proud mum added: “The generosity of people has been incredible and I know it means so much to Cameron.”

To support and donate to Cameron’s Seven Peaks Before Seven challenge, follow the JustGiving link at https://www.justgiving.com/page/cameron-thompson-1727363487388.