The Princess of Wales undertook the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge this weekend to raise money for The Royal Marsden Hospital, but as well as fundraising for her own charity, she also supported another remarkable fundraiser whom she met while climbing Ben Nevis.
The person in question was Ted, an 11-year-old wheelchair user who completed the challenge with the support of a team of family and friends. Ted was raising money for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity which helps children with serious illnesses by making their wishes come true and bringing moments of joy during difficult times.
The indefatigable Ted summited Ben Nevis first last year, and has previously conquered Snowdon, not once but twice, so he is no stranger to the mountains. His initial fundraising goal of £5,000 was surpassed and, at the time of publication, stood at £11,211.
Kate donated to Ted's campaign and, in a rare move, left a message signed under 'Catherine Wales'. She wrote: "One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way. Huge congratulations to the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause. C".
Kate was cheered on by her family as she completed the Three Peaks Challenge to raise awareness of life beyond a cancer diagnosis, plus funds for The Royal Marsden, the hospital where she received her treatment.
The princess climbed the UK's three highest mountains – Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Wales – over 24 hours this weekend.
She undertook the challenge solo, with support along the route from Mountain Rescue and was greeted at the bottom of Yr Wyddfa by Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and her brother James.
© Getty ImagesThe endurance event saw the Princess walk 23 miles, climb 3,064 metres and travel 462 miles between locations. She was driven from Scotland to England and on to Wales by a team from Kensington Palace.
Why Princess Kate undertook the challenge
In a photograph shared on social media, she is pictured smiling broadly in a baseball cap and raincoat at the summit of Ben Nevis on the evening of June 27.
She wrote: "Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear. What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts.
"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.
"I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back. The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life-changing for so many people."
The Princess continued: "Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare. Every individual is different, and ensuring there is a whole person approach to care enables those living through cancer to manage the deeply personal challenge of diagnosis. Holistic therapies complement clinical pathways and support patients' ability to maintain their wellbeing, resilience and quality of life during an exceptionally difficult time.
"Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being. Because in the end, 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 are walking through. Funds raised will also support research into how holistic care can best work alongside clinical cancer treatments and create a blueprint for change, so this additional care becomes a standard part of cancer treatment nationally."
Holistic care includes psychological and spiritual support, physical activity, nutrition, complementary approaches and time spent in nature, which all play a critical role in enhancing recovery and helping patients to tolerate their treatment.
