Children's hospice praises young boy who climbed the Three Peaks

Derian House has commended the outstanding achievements of a seven-year-old boy who climbed the Three Peaks to help funds its services.Steven Brown climbed Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike in under 24 hours, with his mum Caroline, raising more than £2,500 for the Chorley-based hospice which supports children with terminal and life limiting illnesses.John Rullo, community fund-raiser, said: “It’s a very special thing to us at Derian when we hear about children and young people dedicating time to support the care we provide. “Steven and his mum Caroline have completed a challenge that most people wouldn’t contemplate taking on. The difficulty of the achievement should not be overlooked for anyone, for a young person aged just seven years old to take this on and smile all the way is unbelievable. Thank you so much to Caroline and everyone else that’s supported Steven.”Caroline, who lives in nearby Oswaldwistle, said: “Steven often comes with me on walks and he said he wanted to join me in the Three Peaks.“He did all the training and knew what he was letting himself in for. “He chose to raise money for Derian House as it was a local charity for children.“Steven was amazing. A lot of adults would find it hard, but he was great. He didn’t moan. He was chatting away and listened to his music. “He wore a t-shirt, sponsored by Keenans Estate Agents, and he raised £100 on the day, as he had a bucket.“We have had so much support. My four-year-old daughter, Jessica’s nursery is doing a sponsored event and Steven’s school have also raised money.“Altogether, with money for Keenans, and a chip shop owned by myself and my brother, Joseph Broome, we have raised £2,500.”Steven, who turned eight after the climb, said: “I like walking and climbing and so thought it was a good idea to do some fund-raising. I know Derian House has a lot of sick children and I wanted to help them.“I found the climb hard, especially Ben Nevis.”