A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy has climbed his first mountain – and all for charity.

Henry Grice, from Brighton, headed to Wales to walk up Snowdon to raise money for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice and so far he has raised £747.

The challenge came about during the summer holidays when football-mad Henry decided he would like to do something to help others before starting in Year 5 at Balfour Primary School, Brighton.

At first he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, just that he wanted a challenge and to raise money for a charity that helps children.

With the help of his parents Hannah and Robert, Henry researched a range of children’s charities and decided on his local one, Chestnut Tree House.

Hannah said: “Henry spent a lot of time reading up about Chestnut Tree House and after watching one of the films on the charity’s website, he started to understand how much support they offer families and children with life-limiting conditions.

“We discussed a range of challenges he could do to raise money but knew it had to involve the great outdoors as he has such an active lifestyle. As a family, we decided to join Henry and climb his first mountain.

“Snowdon seemed a sensible place to start.

“We are so incredibly proud of Henry – both for wanting to help others and for what he has achieved.

“He was a bit nervous when we set off but did so well, completing the Miners’ route up in two hours 15 minutes and then Llanberis Path down in one hour 45 minutes.”

Jo Moss, community fundraiser at Chestnut Tree House, said: “All of our supporters are important to us but there is something rather special about someone so young engaging with what we do and wanting to raise money for us.

“We are extremely grateful to Henry for taking on this challenge and raising these vital funds for Chestnut Tree House.

“It costs us £6,850 each day to provide all the specialist care services to local life-limited children – both at the hospice and in families’ own homes – so the support of the community, and people like Henry, is invaluable to us.

“The amount Henry has raised will give three children the chance to visit Chestnut Tree House for the day, allowing them to enjoy the hydrotherapy pool, relax in the multi-sensory room and join in with a host of activities.

“Everyone at Chestnut Tree House would like to say a massive thank you to Henry – this was an incredible thing to do and the money will make a big difference.”