NINE-year-old Betsy Butler from Mitcheldean raised more than £650 by climbing the highest mountain in England and Wales.

She completed the ascent of Snowdon – or Eryri – in North Wales in 3.5 hours on Sunday, September 20 to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Betsy said: “I chose this challenge as I lost my Nanny to cancer and she loved walking. Macmillan is a brilliant cancer charity that Nanny loved.”

Betsy began training several months ago with climbs of Pen-y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons – the highest peak in South Wales – and the Malvern Hills.

She decided to climb Snowdon after completing the 14km Pen-y-Fan Horseshoe last year.

Betsy said: “I started off at 7am, tired and nervous but my Dad and Grampy helped support me”

Betsy and her dad Richard completed the Llanberis path as it was the first time Betsy had climbed Snowdon.

They researched the route by speaking to people who had climbed Snowdon and using YouTube videos to gain an understanding of the terrain.

There were difficult stages along the hike including high winds, very steep sections and constant rolling clouds.

It wasn’t until the last 100 metres that Betsy could actually see the summit of Snowdon.

On the return journey, Betsy was joined by her Mum and younger sister, Edith aged seven.

Betsy is a member of the Forest Gate Church in Mitcheldean, who have been supporting the family, praying for success and donating money to Betsy’s JustGiving page.

She said: “When I reached the top, I felt amazing and a huge sense of achievement!”

Now that Betsy has completed her challenge, she will be continuing to help at Forest Gate Church, attending Kids Church and volunteering on forthcoming projects while Forest Gate Church is refurbishing a new building, now called Forest Gate House.