Oliver is top boy!

Clair Tinnion wrote to us about her son Oliver, who climbed the National Three Peaks in three weeks – aged just three. Oliver raised over £600, which he donated to a new school playground for all of the children to enjoy. We’re delighted to share here an abridged version of Clair’s letter...

Oliver’s journey began during a holiday to North Wales. The intention at the time of climbing Snowdon was not to complete the Three Peaks. It just fell into place by a stroke of luck. With no expectations, we set off from Pen-y-Pass and took the Pyg Track to the summit of Snowdon. Despite rain and howling wind, Oliver was determined to make it to the top. After a wet and blustery summit photo and quick change of clothes, we headed back down, singing and dancing to keep the spirits up!

Oliver has been exposed to the great outdoors from a very young age. He has been to the summit of 97 of the Wainwright fells on my front and back as a baby. As he has grown, so has his love for the outdoors and his sense of adventure, something which I’ve always nurtured and supported.

Back home in the Lakes the following week, we headed for the summit of Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route, with plenty of stops along the way to cool off in the pools, top up the sun cream and replenish the energy! Oliver was still smiling from ear to ear as he chatted to people who were gathered at the summit. ‘I’m three years old and I’ve done it all by myself !’ he said.

The following week we were visiting relatives in Fort William. The weather was looking fabulous, so we headed for the last of the big three: Ben Nevis. A magnificent cloud inversion greeted us as we began to climb, and the views got better and better. Oliver loved chatting to people as he went, telling them of his goal to reach the top. We reached the summit by late afternoon, having enjoyed a snowball fight along the way; something that still baffles Oliver to this day. As he sat on the summit, I was bursting with pride.

Clair Tinnion