UK Girl, 6, Becomes Youngest to Climb 13,000-Foot Mountain in Africa
Seren Price, a remarkable six-year-old from Wales, has made history as the youngest person to climb Mount Toubkal, a 13,600-foot peak in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Her climb was more than just an adventure—it was a heartfelt effort to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, which played a crucial role in her early life.
Seren, who was born prematurely with a haemangioma on her neck, received life-saving treatment at the hospital. This personal connection inspired her to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Toubkal, aiming to support the institution that helped her in her infancy.
The expedition took place in August, with Seren and her father, Glyn Price, navigating the challenging terrain and extreme temperatures. Despite the heat reaching over 40 degrees Celsius, they successfully reached the summit after an eight-hour trek to the base camp.
Mr. Price described the climb as arduous, particularly due to the narrow and slippery paths. However, the sight of people who had followed Seren’s journey online cheering for her at the summit made the effort worthwhile.
Training for the climb was no small feat. Seren and her father spent about a year preparing, including nighttime walks in local parks to simulate the conditions they would face. Despite her modest claim of only training for a week, Mr. Price confirmed the extensive preparation involved.
Seren’s achievement is not her first record. In 2022, she became the youngest person to complete the UK’s three peaks challenge, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales in under 48 hours.
Her future plans include scaling Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. Seren is excited about the prospect of seeing snow and continuing her mountaineering adventures.
Mr. Price highlights Seren’s passion for climbing, noting that while he has tried to involve his son in similar activities, Seren’s enthusiasm for the sport is unmatched. Her love for climbing is driven by the joy of spending time with her father and enjoying the breathtaking views from mountain tops.
Seren’s story is a testament to her bravery and determination, and her efforts to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital reflect her gratitude and commitment to making a positive impact.