West Cumbrian boy climbing worlds tallest mountains for charity
10-year-old Frankie McMillan raises funds for heart screenings
Frankie McMillan, a 10-year-old from West Cumbria, is on a mission to climb the 32 highest mountains in Europe by next summer in a bid to set a new world record.
His ambitious campaign seeks to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), having already collected over £25,000, with a target of reaching £50,000.
Motivated by personal reasons, Frankie is undertaking these climbs in honour of his friend Xander, who lives with a life-threatening heart condition.
Frankie aims to use the proceeds to facilitate free heart screenings for young people in West Cumbria, an area lacking local provision for such services.
Frankie’s commitment to his cause was highlighted during a visit to Number 10 Downing Street for a St George’s Day reception, where he shared his story with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Reflecting on his journey, Frankie said: "Whenever you climb a mountain, the weather is always going to be different. The one that I think I've found most challenging was probably Slovakia's highest peak. It was really technical and physical."
His mum Basia added: "A lot of people do have underlying conditions, which can lead to sudden cardiac deaths. So, we decided the money that we fundraise will fund free heart screenings to hopefully help many people."
Frankie's venture not only embodies athleticism but also a heartfelt dedication to community welfare, as he represents the spirit of resilience within West Cumbria.