Meet Hugo, 8, preparing to take on Three Peaks Challenge for Dougie Mac

Young Hugo Dale is planning on spending his school holidays climbing three of Britain’s highest mountains to raise money for Dougie Mac.

Eight-year-old Hugo, from Meir Heath, along with his dad, Matt, are to take on the Three Peaks Challenge at the end of May and scale the three tallest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales, whilst raising vital funds for the hospice. They have set themselves a fundraising target of £1,500.

The pair are planning to climb Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon in an adventure they hope will take just three days – a mountain a day, back-to-back.

Hugo decided to take on the challenge as he ‘wanted to raise money for a local charity’. He said: “We wanted to do something challenging for a local charity and found Dougie Mac to be the perfect fit. I’ve always been on big walks with my family and climbed Snowdon when I was six with my dad, so doing the Three Peaks seemed like the next big challenge – who knows where I’ll climb next!”

Hugo and Matt will spend three days living out of a VW van, kindly donated to them by Volkswagen Van Centre in Stoke.

Hugo continued: “Me and my dad have been training and go out a couple of times a week for a big walk. I recently did eight miles and was tired and hungry afterwards. I feel very excited to be doing the challenge but also a little bit nervous. I know it’s going to be amazing when I reach the top of each mountain, but I feel nervous because it’s going to be a big challenge. I think Ben Nevis will be the trickiest because it’s the tallest mountain – but I think I’ll pass the challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to raising as much money as I can for Dougie Mac. I’d really like to get a gold leaf in the Dougie Mac reception so my aim is to get over £1,500.”

Matt said: “This isn’t just a challenge for me – it’s something incredibly special I’m doing alongside Hugo. At such a young age he’s already showing determination, resilience and a willingness to push himself far beyond his comfort zone. As a dad, I couldn’t be prouder.”

Hugo and Matt will begin their challenge on May 27^th. To donate to their fundraiser, visit: Matthew Dale is fundraising for Douglas Macmillan Hospice