This Wigan boy is climbing his stairs 270 times a day for charity

A Wigan schoolboy aiming to climb Snowdon later this year has been preparing for the big event by climbing his own stairs more than 200 times a day!

When the country went into lockdown, little Leo Whitley’s plan to climb the UK’s second-highest peak for charity this August was plunged into uncertainty.

The challenge was announced as part of the Aspull seven-year-old’s year of fund-raising efforts after scooping an international pageant crown earlier this year.

And although Leo’s community work for the likes of One House community centre has been put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he still remains hopeful of being able to climb the Welsh mountain for The Salvation Army, and has been practising by walking up and down the stairs at home around 270 times a day - a mission he has also been using to raise extra cash for good causes.

Proud mum Kellie revealed her little boy had already scaled the equivalent height of Snowdon through going up and down the stairs!

“He absolutely loves it! We put music on, he sings away and is bopping to the music up and down the stairs,” she said.

“The pride he’s got at the moment is amazing. The fact he’s managed to still help people during lockdown has given him such a sense of pride.”

She added: “He loves to raise money for charity. This has given him something to keep him going. This has propelled him, he is glowing with pride. I think this is the proudest I’ve seen him throughout all the work he’s done.”

Leo was crowned Pure International Prince UK last in February, at the Pure International Pageant - a faith inspired, family-focused, and community-service driven organisation that allows contestants of any age, nationality, or religion to compete in a fun, friendly environment.

His selfless fund-raising efforts are even more special given the many obstacles he has faced in his short life so far. He suffers from albinism and nystagmus, a vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements.

These movements often result in reduced vision and depth perception and can affect balance and coordination.

His younger sister, Isabelle-Clare, is also the reigning Mini Miss Natural Beauty England, and has since been the face of local campaigns.

Leo hopes his Snowdon trek will raise £2,000 for charity. Donations can be made to Leo’s fund-raising efforts at gofundme.com/f/leo-whitleys-mountain-climb.

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