News / Highlands & Islands

I was told I’d never walk… now I’m climbing Ben Nevis

Caeden Thomson will tackle the 4413ft mountain to raise funds for Scope and his local NHS.

I was told I’d never walk… now I’m climbing Ben Nevis — Challenge: Caeden set to climb Ben Nevis.

STV News

27th Aug 2020

A seven-year-old boy who was told he would never walk is preparing to climb Ben Nevis this weekend.

Caeden Thomson was born 12 weeks early and diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

His parents were told he would never sit, walk or talk.

But Caeden, from Corby, Northamptonshire, is now preparing to take on the 4413ft Scottish mountain for charity.

He hopes to raise £8000 for disability equality charity Scope and his local NHS.

Since he was born, Caeden has undergone many hours of physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and hydrotherapy.

Mum Lisa says Caeden doesn't let his disability stop him. <br>Image credit: ITV News”/></div><figcaption aria-hidden=true>Mum Lisa says Caeden doesn’t let his disability stop him. <br>Image credit: ITV News <cite class=hidden></cite></figcaption></figure><p>His mother Lisa said: “Caeden’s life began with huge struggle, stress and a feeling of the unknown and he was very lucky to have had all the help and support he got.</p><p>“He is a very happy boy who tries his very best not to let his disability stop him from keeping up with his two older siblings and his friends.</p><p>“He told us that he is so lucky for all the things he has had in his life that he wants to give back.”</p><p>The family were originally due to tackle the mountain challenge in May, but had to postpone due to the pandemic.</p><p>Since then, they have been fundraising locally and have raised £2000 towards their £8000 target.</p><p>Ben Nevis was chosen because it is a “real physical challenge”, Mrs Thomson said, adding: “It will be positively physical, as it will do his muscles good to walk.</p><p>“But he wants to be able to inspire and empower others that just because you’ve got a physical disability doesn’t mean you’re not capable.”</p><figure class=wp-block-image><div class=relative><img loading=lazy decoding=async src=https://prod.news.stv.tv/wp-content/themes/stvnews/static/images/fallback.png width=1280 height=720 srcset sizes=

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