Stoke-on-Trent eight-year-old taking on Three Peaks Challenge for charity
By Liana Snape 8th May 2026
A Stoke-on-Trent eight-year-old is preparing to take on the Three Peaks Challenge alongside his dad to raise money for Douglas Macmillan (Dougie Mac).
Hugo, and his dad Matthew Dale, will be climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just three days.
The father and son will be travelling around 18 hours between the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, and sleeping in a camper van hired for them for free by VW van commercials.
Hugo said: I'm really excited and I really want to do it."
Matthew added: "I'm immensely proud of him.
"The fact that he's come up with it off his own back and he wants to do something and give back. I'm not going to stand in his way and I want to support him throughout it as well."
The pair decided to take on a fundraising challenge after Hugo spent time studying charities at school
They chose the Three Peaks Challenge as Hugo, who already completed Snowdon aged six, enjoys hiking.

Matthew said: "We have a love for hiking as well and we did Snowdon when he was six years old.
"He loved it, it was one of his favourite days that he keeps on mentioning.
"He noticed that I did the Three Peaks with a bunch of friends a couple of years ago, and he wanted to take it on himself."
Hugo added: "I think the thing about hiking is when you finally get to the top, you get that rush of excitement, and you did it."
They selected Dougie Mac as a Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire-based organisation.
Hugo said: "We chose Dougie Mac because when we were looking for a good charity that fits what we wanted, we came across Dougie Mac.
"We read all about it and it sounded perfect. It was just really what we wanted."
Matthew added: "It's a local charity, which is what we want. It provides amazing facilities for families and they do great work. And I think they've actually touched a lot of people's hearts locally."
Hugo and his dad have already raised £1,159 of their £1,500 goal via their Just Giving page and have received donations from Port Vale FC, Phatlads competitions and Allmet Fabrications.
Other local businesses, including New Vic Theatre, Tesco, Asda, Waterworld, Fenton Manor and B&Q, have also donated prizes for an upcoming raffle.
The pair will also be collecting money in person at Tesco, Meir Park on 17 May.
For information about raffle ticket sales and updates on Hugo and Matthew's progress, visit the Instagram page here.
To donate, visit the Just Giving page here.
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