Meet the seven-year-old boy climbing mountains to raise money to help homeless people

A seven-year-old boy has climbed Snowdon to raise money for homeless people after seeing surging homelessness in London.

River, from Trowbridge, Wiltshire, scaled the Welsh mountain during the Easter break to raise more than £500 for The Salvation Army – more than 10 times his original target of £50.

The kind-hearted youngster opted to support the charity after his school choir sang with the charity’s band in the town park for Remembrance Day last year.

With homelessness on the rise, the boy opted to do something about it by climbing the mountain in North Wales, which stands at 1,085 metres above sea level.

Propelled by KitKats, River scaled the Miner’s Track ascent and Pyg Track descent and threw his arms in the air, shouting: “It’s crazy, I’m at the top of Snowdon!” 

“I wanted them to have help and somewhere safe to sleep,” the youngster said.

“It feels great to help others.”

The seven-year-old also issued a rallying cry for other children to take action to support people experiencing homelessness: “You don’t have to climb a mountain – bake, bike, or swim! Just go for it. You’ll feel happy knowing you’ve helped others.”  

Reaching the summit has inspired River, who has previously climbed Pen y Fan in South Wales, to take on further charity challenges around swimming and taking on Scotland’s highest peak at Ben Nevis.

River’s mother Becky said: “River didn’t like the thought of people without a bed or somewhere warm. He’s so excited to know the money he’s raised will help people in need.”   

She added: “This experience has shown River that worthwhile things can be hard, but pushing through is rewarding. No matter how young you are, you can achieve amazing things.” 

River’s still fundraising following his challenge. Donations can be made on his JustGiving page.

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