Schoolgirl conquers Pen y Fan four times in fundraising challenge

Isabella at the summit of Pen y Fan during her fundraising challenge, which saw her climb the mountain four times in 12 hours.

A nine-year-old from Caerphilly has completed a gruelling 12-hour challenge climbing Pen y Fan four times to raise money for her dream of competing in national Latin formation dance competitions.

Isabella Lado, who dances with the Loren James Dance Company, set off at 6.30am on Sunday August 24and continued until 6.30pm, ascending and descending the highest peak in South Wales throughout the day.

The challenge was her own idea, inspired by her determination to raise funds towards the costs of competing in Stoke and Blackpool in 2026.

Her mother, Lorraine, said: “It was hard going for her by the end, with her legs hurting, but she was so determined.”

So far, Isabella has raised £365 of her £450 target through her GoFundMe page, with donations still coming in.

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