AN 11-year-old pupil didn't let staying at home ruin his plans to take on the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales.

With the current lockdown, Matteo Iavazzo, a year six pupil at Myddelton Preparatory School in Denbigh, found a novel way to carry out the Three Peaks Challenge and in doing so, raised more than £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Matteo Iavazzo did Ben Nevis - 7905 steps; Scafell Pike - 5752 steps and Snowdon, 6382 steps

By walking up and down his stairs, the Prestatyn youngster completed 7905 steps (the height of Ben Nevis); then 5752 steps (the height of Scafell Pike) before going on to do another 6382 steps to represent Snowdon.

Katie Gresley-Jones, head of the Prep School, said: "We are incredibly proud of Matteo.

"Every fortnight, pupils in Myddelton College Preparatory School enjoy a morning of 'Learning Through The Outdoors' lessons.

"The department encouraged our pupils to take part in the #GetOutsideInside Step Up Challenge with Iwan Thomas and the Ordnance Survey’s world record attempt for the most people stepping at once.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Matteo admitted the challenge was not easy!

"Matteo did very well and was pleased to find out that by climbing his stairs, he had climbed the height of Snaefell."

During the virus pandemic, pupils are still taking part in their usual timetable of lessons online.

"Due to the bank holiday earlier this month, year six missed their fortnightly Learning Through The Outdoors as it is on a Friday," Miss Gresley-Jones added.

"Matteo was determined not to let the bank holiday get in the way of this session.

"His grandfather passed away three years ago on May 10, and since his death, Matteo has set himself a challenge each year in his memory.

"When we chatted to Matteo, the class were amazed to hear of his achievements.

"He admitted that it was not easy and at times he wanted to give up.

"At Myddelton we centre our teaching around our three pillars: scholarship, fellowship and resilience. Matteo has been awarded merits for his excellent demonstration of resilience and fellowship."

Writing before the challenge on JustGiving, Matteo said: "On May 10, it will be three years since my Nonno Nicola, my Italian granddad, died. I still think of him every day.

"It wasn't until after he died that we found out why he was so ill; blood tests, that had previously come back clear, told us he had Hodgkin's Lymphoma (blood cancer).

"Since losing my Nonno, I have tried to mark the day each year by doing something positive and raising money for charity.

"Unfortunately, because of the current situation, I can't climb the real Three Peaks, so I am going to use my stairs at home."