Little girl conquers Snowdon to help autistic step brother

Ella Millar is only six but she was determined to climb 1,085 metres up Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales to help fund a special disability pushchair for Harley.

The 10-year-old has autism, severe learning difficulties, sensory processing disorder and low muscular endurance and now needs a motorised chair costing £4,000.

Ella, from Winsford, reached the summit with dad Lee on Saturday and doubled her £500 target, raising more than £1,000.

"I'm bursting with pride," said Lee. "Ella is the most unselfish person ever, the kindest, caring child you will ever meet.

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"She is a little girl with a huge heart."

Ella and dad Lee at the summit of Mount Snowdon

Ella, a pupil at High Street Primary School,  persevered with the climb even though she felt exhausted.

"It took us four hours to go up and two and a half to get down," said Lee. "She is like a little machine, she just wanted to get it done. She was overtaking people

"Altogether it was an eight mile walk but the equivalent of 13 miles on flat ground."

The pair regularly go on five mile hikes together but this was the first time the High Street schoolgirl had ever tackled a mountain.

"We do a lot of walking, it's her main hobby," said Lee. "As soon as she had this idea to raise money there was no stopping her.

"She is amazing. It was quite emotional when we got to the top."

Six-year-old schoolgirl Ella was determined to reach the top

Ella has two sisters, Lily, seven and 10-month-old Niyah and two step brothers Harley and Jordan, eight.

Mark Joule, headteacher at High Street Primary School, said: "We are very proud of what Ella has achieved at such a young age.

"It is wonderful that she has been so determined to help her brother as well as other children with autism.

"We look forward to seeing her on our return to school and celebrating her achievements."

Ella's mum Jade said: "Ella walks with her dad a lot, she loves exploring.

"I don't think she realised how far the Snowdon climb was but she was determined to do it."

Toni, Harley's mum, Jade and the whole family are pulling together to organise a family fun day with stalls and entertainment at Knights Grange from 1.30pm on Saturday, September 4 to raise more funds.

The family has been overwhelmed with support from the local community.

Harley with step sister Ella

Ben Maddock, Harley's dad, said: "It has been absolutely amazing. We don't like asking for money but within an hour people were donating.

"I couldn't sleep I was so taken aback by everyone's generosity.

"We have received raffle prizes worth hundreds of pounds including a signed Man Utd football shirt and two holidays."

Local artists Liam Mundy, Lennon Daniels, Evan Kirwan and Kev Millar will be performing.

"It will be a great day out with good bands and great prizes," said Ben. "We wanted to give something back to the community for all their support."

Harley's mum Toni Whelan and her family are doing a 52-mile sponsored walk, cycle and run, the distance from Harley's home to Alder Hey where he receives specialist treatment.

"Harley is smarter than all of us put together," said Ben. "He can speak multiple languages but simple things in life he struggles with.

"A motorised pushchair will help as he is getting bigger. We are also looking to the future when he may need adaptations to the house so he can continue to live at home."

To donate visit gofund.me/659435bc