Seren Price Scales Mount Toubkal to Raise Funds for Life-Saving Hospital
In an awe-inspiring feat that has captivated the hearts of many, a six-year-old girl from the UK has become the youngest person to climb Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Seren Price’s remarkable journey to the summit of the 13,000-foot mountain in Morocco not only marks a significant milestone but also serves a noble cause—to raise funds for the hospital that saved her life as a baby.
Seren, accompanied by her father Glyn, embarked on this challenging adventure in mid-August. The duo flew to Morocco and reached a village at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. From there, they, along with their guide, trekked for eight hours to the base camp of Mount Toubkal, where they spent the night before beginning their arduous ascent.
Overcoming challenges with determination
Glyn Price shared the difficulties they faced during the climb, particularly the intense heat. “The heat was the biggest challenge… but once we got to the top it was brilliant. There were about 20 people there who had followed her story on social media, and they were giving her a big round of applause,” he said.
Seren, with a touch of humor, mentioned her training regime, initially saying she had been training for “a week” before laughing and correcting herself, “I think it was a little more than a week.”
Training for the summit
The journey to Mount Toubkal was no spur-of-the-moment decision. Glyn revealed that they had been preparing for nearly a year, training on the rugged terrain of Pen y Fan in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, also known as the Brecon Beacons. “We were able to replicate some of the tracks. Obviously, the weather wasn’t the same, but the terrain was,” he noted.
A Cause close to heart
Seren’s mission is deeply personal. Born prematurely, she had a haemangioma on her neck that required surgery. Now, she’s raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the very institution that saved her life. “When I was a baby, I had a big lump on my neck and they helped me,” Seren explained.
This isn’t Seren’s first foray into record-breaking territory. In 2022, she made history by becoming the youngest person to complete the UK’s Three Peaks challenge in under 48 hours. Her next ambitious goal is to climb Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, with winter training slated to take place in Scotland. Seren expressed her excitement for the upcoming adventure and the prospect of “seeing the snow.”
Glyn, an avid mountaineer and teacher, emphasized that a passion for such challenging pursuits cannot be forced. While his son shows no interest in climbing, Seren thrives on these adventures. When asked what she enjoys most about mountaineering, Seren’s heartfelt response was, “I like spending time with my dad – and seeing the nice things when I’m at the top of the mountain.”
Seren Price’s story is a testament to the power of determination, the bond between a father and daughter, and the enduring spirit of adventure. Her journey not only inspires but also brings hope and support to those in need.