Caitlin is summit else
Caitlin (15) aims to climb three of Europe’s highest
An intrepid Cambuslang schoolgirl is set become the youngest person in Scotland – possibly the UK – to conquer three of Europe’s highest peaks.
Caitlin Connor, 15, is currently in the Alps where, in the space of just one week, she is attempting to scale Mont Blanc (4810m), Grandes Jorasses (4208m) and, finally, the triangular Toblerone-shaped peak of the famous Matterhorn in Switzerland (4478m).
The Stonelaw High pupil is taking on the mammoth challenge in aid of two charities.
A Cambuslang schoolgirl is set to finish the summer on a high.
For Caitlin Connor, 15, is currently in the Alps, where she is attempting to scale three of Europe’s highest mountains and raise money for charity at the same time.
If the Stonelaw High pupil accomplishes the feat, she would be one of the youngest ever British climbers to conquer the three mountains.
Halfway girl Caitlin flew out on Sunday, before setting out for Mont Blanc (4810m).
After that, she will attempt to scale Grandes Jorasses (4208m) and then the triangular ‘Toblerone’ shaped peak of the famous Matterhorn in Switzerland (4478m / 14,692ft).
Caitlin said: “I’ve always wanted to climb Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. They are such iconic mountains.
“I’m really excited and also grateful for all of the support I’ve received from Snow Factor, Rab and others. “
The opportunity came about because Will Morris, an experienced alpinist and speed-flyer, is currently spending three months in the Alps.
He had a week free in his schedule, and offered Caitlin, who has already represented Britain at ice climbing and is ranked fifth in the world, the chance to head out there.
She has been training at Snow Factor in Braehead, and has been tutored by former GB Ice Climbing Team member Simon Ward.
Her dad Mick told the Reformer: “She’s absolutely ecstatic about getting to do this.
“We’ve spent some time preparing and there’s a bit of pressure because we know Caitlin could become the youngest person, certainly in Scotland and maybe in Britain, to do this.
“As a parent there is a bit of apprehension because it is something that is dangerous to do, but we know she is in good hands with the people she has been training with, and with Will.
“We also got a good luck message from Stonelaw’s PE department, who have really helped her with her climbing.”
Caitlin is also fundraising for two charities while climbing, as she hopes to earn cash for Poppy Scotland and Urban Uprising.
Mick added: “Caitlin was keen to try and help out a couple of charities.
“She has been an ambassador for Urban Uprising the past few years and me and my wife were both in the Forces, which is why she wants to help Poppy Scotland.”
Earlier this year the Reformer told how Caitlin had competed in World Youth Ice Climbing Championships in Liechtenstein.
Her next aim is retain her title at the British dry tooling series, before the World Cup next year.
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/caitlinconnor to donate.