Eight-year-old’s World Record attempt for brain cancer cure

Oliver Timberlake 2 min read

An inspiring eight-year-old took on the National Three Peaks Challenge in a bid to break a Guinness World Record, whilst raising vital funds for brain cancer in memory of her grandad.

On 9ᵗʰ June, Arya Pettyfer, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, attempted to become the youngest person to conquer Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – all in under 24 hours, to inspire donations on our behalf.

The youngster’s motivation comes from her grandfather, John Pettyfer, who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in August 2010. John had a seizure shortly after his 50ᵗʰ birthday and was placed in an induced coma due to multiple seizures. Only 11 months after diagnosis, in June 2011, John died at the age of 51.

Though Arya was never able to meet John, her family recognises their similarities. A keen horse rider like her grandad, she said: “I can’t wait. I know it will be hard, but I really want to do it for my grandad.”

After training by walking up to 20km a day, Arya was accompanied by her mother Chevonne and grandmother Sarah. Chevonne said: “Arya has already climbed Snowdon in Wales twice, which has an elevation of 1,085 metres. Arya and her siblings are home-schooled, so the outdoors is a huge part of her learning and is also her classroom, which fits in well with her training and exercise.”

Arya reached the summits of Ben Nevis and Snowdon within 24 hours, although poor weather forced the trio to abandon their third and final mountain, Scafell Pike. Chevonne continued: “Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side and the river crossing was impassable on Scafell Pike in the storm. Arya definitely had it in the tank, but safety comes first and we can try again another time.”

There is still time to donate to Brain Tumour Research and support Arya’s valiant attempt through her JustGiving page.

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Oliver Timberlake, Content Editor
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