The Princess of Wales has made a private donation to support the fundraising efforts of an 11-year-old paraplegic boy she met while undertaking the National Three Peaks Challenge. Kate chatted with Ted Haslam, whose father Paul carried him up Ben Nevis in a wheelchair, and posed for a group photograph with his team.
During her climb, Kate encountered Ted and his team of 15 friends and relatives who were making their way up Britain's highest mountain. The princess spoke with Ted, inquiring about his well-being in the cold weather and noting the mascot on his wheelchair. She learned the mascot represented Molly Ollys, a charity that provided play equipment for Ted during his hospital treatment. Kate expressed admiration for Ted's achievement, noting it was his first time on the mountain and regretting that he could not see the views due to the weather.
Ted's team completed the challenge in 30 hours, raising over £13,000 for Molly Ollys, a charity supporting children with terminal and life-threatening illnesses across the UK. Ted himself was left paralyzed at age three and diagnosed with an aggressive spinal tumor.
Kate personally visited Ted's JustGiving page and made a donation, the exact amount of which she chose to keep private. The Daily Mail reported the donation was understood to be in the region of £1,000 to £2,000. In a message left on the page, Kate wrote, “One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way. Huge congratulations to the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause. C.”
The Princess of Wales undertook the National Three Peaks Challenge over a weekend, aiming to raise money for a cancer charity and explore life beyond diagnosis. The challenge involved climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales within 24 hours. Kensington Palace indicated this expedition was likely a first for a member of the Royal Family.
In a video released prior to the challenge, Kate explained her motivation was partly personal, expressing gratitude for being strong enough to undertake the physical endeavor. She stated her primary goal was to give back and acknowledge the work being done for those affected by serious illness. She also spoke of her personal understanding of how cancer impacts every aspect of a person's life, affecting them physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually.
The princess’s message also highlighted the importance of holistic healthcare and the need for support for individuals and families navigating life with cancer. The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, where Kate had previously received treatment, is raising funds to support holistic care and research into its integration with clinical treatments to create a national standard for supportive cancer care. Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024 and completed chemotherapy, announcing she was in remission in January 2025.