Boy, 9, Plans Three Peaks Challenge

Why this is here: Albie-Junior’s leg was 5cm (2 inches) shorter than his other leg due to a condition called fibular hemimelia, leading to the amputation when he was a toddler.

Albie-Junior Thomas, a nine-year-old from Holywell, Wales, intends to become the youngest amputee to complete the Three Peaks challenge. Born without a fibula in his left leg, Albie-Junior had his foot removed at 15 months old. He previously scaled Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) at age four.

Albie-Junior and his father, Daniel Thomas, a fitness trainer, are currently undergoing an 18-week training program. They practice by climbing Yr Wyddfa weekly and training at a gym. They recently completed a nighttime ascent of Snowdon to prepare for navigating in the dark.

The pair plans to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Yr Wyddfa in Wales within 24 hours on August 18th. Downhill sections of hikes currently cause discomfort for Albie-Junior due to pressure on his knee and skin irritation from his prosthetic. He will require rests and check-ups between climbs, as he hopes to one day compete as a Paralympian.