Northampton boy, aged six, climbs Mount Snowdon inspired by dad's cancer diagnosis

Zakary Gayton, from Grange Park, took on the challenge after saying he wanted to help a good cause.

Because his dad was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, he knew a lot about it and decided to help children who have the disease.

Mum Cheryl said: “It was genuinely his own idea. We’d been to Wales before and he said he loved mountains and asked if he could please climb a mountain in Wales.”

Zakary, accompanied by his mum and dad, took five hours to reach the summit and descend again via Mount Snowdon’s longest but easiest route, walking every step himself.

But the feat was not straightforward as the party were hampered by a range of poor weather.

Cheryl said: “We got three-quarters of the way up and hit blustery gales.

“At one point there was snow and ice to one side of us and a long drop on the other.

“We had to walk along a very narrow path, which was scary to say the least.

“Poor Zakary was crying with fear but given the option to turn round, he said he had to complete his challenge for the ill children.”

The ascent has now raised over £800 for Children with Cancer UK.

Zakary started his training in February, by going for walks with his mum as well as doing hours on end on our treadmill.

The hard yards paid off on the day, the Woodland View Primary School pupil only stopping for brief 30-second breathers

Cheryl said: “I was so proud, especially when he kept saying: “I did it, mummy!” on the way down.

“I only hope next year he asks for a birthday spa break!”