Eleven-year-old Ted Haslam, who was left paralysed following a diagnosis of stage four Burkitt’s lymphoma at age three, successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge on June 27. The challenge involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales: Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon. Ted undertook the feat to raise funds for Molly Ollys Wishes, a charity supporting seriously ill children and their families, which had aided him during his treatment.

Ted, from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, completed the challenge in under 30 hours with assistance from his father, Pete Haslam, and a team of 15 family members and friends. The group carried Ted, his wheelchair, and necessary equipment—totaling approximately 28 kilograms—between several former Royal Marines accompanying them.

Unbeknownst to Ted and his supporters, the Princess of Wales was also taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge at the same time to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she received cancer treatment earlier this year. The princess and Ted, who is the same age as her daughter Charlotte, crossed paths multiple times during the climb.

Pete Haslam recalled their first encounter on Ben Nevis, where the princess initiated a brief conversation with the group. “She was super friendly and very keen to chat to Ted in a motherly kind of way, just asking how he was,” he said. The following day, the group met the princess again at a stile on Scafell Pike and later at the summit, where she inquired about Ted’s well-being and expressed surprise that the group was climbing in T-shirts despite the conditions.

Ted’s family and their supporters share a connection with the Princess of Wales through their mutual support of Aston Villa football club. Earlier this year, Ted met the princess and Prince George at the club’s stadium. During the challenge, the team flew both the Molly Ollys charity flag and an Aston Villa flag from the mountain summits.

Ted’s efforts have drawn international attention, resulting in more than £21,000 raised from donors worldwide, including contributions from Africa, Alaska, and Ireland. The princess contributed to the fundraising with a donation signed “Catherine Wales” and included a message stating that meeting inspiring individuals like Ted was one of the true highlights of her participation. The amount of her donation was not disclosed.