A SEVEN year-old girl from Frome has completed the three-peaks challenge, raising money for Barnardos at the same time. 
Jessica Metcalfe did the challenge with her mum and dad as part of a holiday in the UK.
The three-peaks challenge requires those taking part to climb the three highest points in England, Scotland and Wales usually within 24 hours. These are Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.
The Metcalfe family completed the three climbs. However, they opted to do it on separate days rather then in the 24-hours. Jessica’s mother Liz said, “We completed the three peaks as part of our holiday with other activities. Jessica’s dad and I knew we wanted to enjoy the overall experience of planning, preparing, ascending and descending with no time pressure.
“Our decision to holiday in the UK this summer got us thinking about where and what we could get up to – hence the mountain challenge! I had ran the Bath Half Marathon in March and raised money for the new cancer centre at RUH which Jessica made reference to before asking if she could raise money if she climbed the mountains. Her dad (James) and I said she could, so she decided on Barnardo’s so she could help children.
“James contacted Barnardo’s who said they would be delighted for Jessica to raise money for them and sent her a T-shirt, stickers and balloons prior to our trip.”
The family completed the three-peak climb and Jessica raised £522 for the charity. She plans to pursue a Blue Peter Sports Badge by encouraging and inspiring her friends to hike.
Jessica said, “I am really proud because I have raised a lot of money for my charity and I hope Barnardo’s will be happy too. Hopefully one day in the future children helped by this money might climb one of these mountains like me.”
