A primary school pupil from Rutherglen scaled Scotland’s highest peak to raise money to help his classmates enjoy an outdoor camp.
Gabriel Payne ascended Ben Nevis during the October break to help fellow pupils attending St Anthony’s Primary.
The 11-year-old schoolboy was inspired to take on the challenge after realising how expensive it was for the P7 pupils at the school in Lochaber Drive to attend the residential camp.
Gabriel said: “It’s a lot of money. We have to fundraise the whole year for it, every incoming P7 class does.”
He set a fundraising target of £1000 for the school and embarked on a rigorous training schedule to prepare for climbing the UK’s highest mountain. Firstly, he trekked up Tinto Hill with his dad.
“It was a lot of fun. It was really windy at the top but the views were stunning,” said Gabriel.
“We took advice from friends and family who are used to climbing, and I got to use the orienteering skills I learned from 185th Scouts in Burnside.”
Then on Thursday, October 17, Gabriel took on the bigger challenge and reached the summit of Ben Nevis in just under five hours, again accompanied by his dad, Gareth.
Unfortunately, the view from the top wasn’t the best due to the weather conditions but that didn’t take away from the thrill of his achievement.
“When I reached the top, it was really cool,” said Gabriel. “You could see some ruins on the summit, but it was really foggy so we couldn’t see much else.
“So I made a short video to thank everyone who helped me achieve this goal, on behalf of all of the kids who go to St Anthony’s, and posted it to my YouTube channel.”
Despite receiving generous donations from the local community, and from family and friends living as far away as the United States and Australia, Gabriel has yet to reach his fundraising goal.
“My classmates have been brilliant, sharing how to support us with their families and friends throughout South Lanarkshire,” added Gabriel.
“Everyone has sent loads of encouragement and support. I just hope it’s not all downhill from here!”
Donations can be made until the end of October at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/gabriel-payne-st-anthonys
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