A determined six-year-old boy is preparing to tackle Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland.
Torsten Gill from Partington, in Trafford, plans to summit Ben Nevis on 25 August alongside his brother Caleb, 16, and parents Stephen Gill and Natasha Swindell to raise money for the charity The Hideaway.
His cousins Jack, 10, and Alfie, 10, and their parents Kathryn and Gavin Murell will also be joining him in the huge walking challenge.
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Torsten was inspired to take on this walk after he successfully climbed Snowdon - the highest mountain in Wales - at just four years old for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where he raised over £800.
His mum, Natasha, said: “We are so unbelievably proud of Torsten. He’s been training through running and long walks. We recently completed a five-mile walk to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease charities to help build him up.
“The resilience to complete Snowdon at aged four is unbelievable, it only took him six hours which is the average time for an adult. He said he wanted to tackle Mount Everest, maybe one day, but we had to steer him from that idea for now!”
The youngster has done a fundraiser every year since lockdown in 2019 when his school helped raise money for food banks, and Torsten helped raise £400 by challenging himself to over 100 rollie pollies, and he later raised around £1,000 during the children’s Great Manchester Run.
He has even been awarded a silver Blue Peter Badge in acknowledgement of his dedication to raising money for various charities.
Torsten chose to support The Hideaway's initiative which is raising money towards providing food hampers for Christmas Day meals and providing toys to children that their families wouldn't be able to afford otherwise.
Natasha said: “He’s been so pleased with his fundraising and really taken it in his stride. We hope to continue supporting him, and it’s an incredible good-feel atmosphere he creates. Torsten has helped encouraged other people to fundraise and it’s great to spread some positivity during a difficult time for a lot of people.
“We hope to exceed our target of £500 for the event, and hope that this will help as many families as possible in the coming months.”
Ruth Lancey, CEO, Hidden Treasure Trust CIO said: “We are absolutely blown away that Torsten has decided to take on this incredible challenge on behalf of the Hope Centre for this Christmas.
"The money he raises through the climb will help to provide food and toys for families in need over the Christmas season and his efforts will make a huge difference to so many people. He’s an incredible child taking on such as massive challenge and we absolutely wish him all the best.”
To donate to Torsten’s Ben Nevis walk, click the link here.
