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'Superhero' boy, 9, with amputated foot completes Three Peaks Challenge in under 24 hours

Danielle HerbertBBC Wales
Albie-Junior says he takes on physical challenges "for fun" and uses "sour sweets for energy" when he is climbing

A nine-year-old boy who had his foot amputated as a toddler hopes he has become the youngest amputee to complete the tallest peaks in Wales, Scotland and England in less than 24 hours.

Albie-Junior Thomas finished the Three Peaks Challenge in 22 hours and 30 minutes alongside his dad, powered by ham and cheese sandwiches, sour sweets and four months' training.

The youngster from Hollywell, Flintshire, was born without a fibula in his left leg and his foot was removed at 15 months.

Despite this, at four he became the youngest amputee to scale Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, Wales' highest peak.

His latest record attempt is yet to be verified.

Self-described "proud dad", Daniel Thomas, told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast: "He's my superhero."

News imageDaniel Thomas Daniel Thomas and Albie-Junior standing at the peak of Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon. An organe and pink sunset can be seen in the horizon. They are both smiling and looking at the camera.Daniel Thomas
Dad Daniel says Albie-Junior's achievements means his son is his "hero"

He said: "I've never had anyone to look up to in my life, until Albie."

Daniel said watching his son go through the highs and lows of the challenge demonstrated his "resilience", determination" and "mental strength", which he described as "unbelievable".

Albie-Junior said on each mountain trek he was powered by "ham and cheese sandwiches" cut into squares, "sour sweets for energy" and "lots of fluids".

To get through the physically demanding ascent, he said he would "think of being home with my family or think of doing something really nice", after the challenge was complete.

News imageDaniel Thomas A four-year-old boy wearing a red coat, blue snood, orange hat and black gloves, is pictured at the summit of a mountain alongside a man in an orange coat and black hat, with a short brown beard. The boy is being held up on to the trig pillar by a person in a black coat whose face can't be seen. Both the boy and the man are smiling. It is misty and snowy in the background and there is snow on the boy's gloves and hat.Daniel Thomas
Albie-Junior was just four when he first conquered Yr Wyddfa at his dad's side

Having already climbed the tallest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales before, the pair needed to complete all three in less than 24 hours to reach their goal.

Daniel said: "We had already done Yr Wyddfa, at four, Ben Nevis, at five, and Scaffold Pike at, six-years-old, so it was just on to the next. How can we top that?"

"We'll put them all together and tackle the 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge," he added.

News imageDaniel Thomas Albie-Junior and his dad Daniel Thomas completing the Three Peaks challenge. The pair are both wearing beanie hats, with flash lights attached to them. They are both wearing blue long sleeve tops, matching brought yellow trainers. The pair are hand in hand as they walk towards the camera.Daniel Thomas
Albie-Junior completed the 24 hour Three Peaks challenge in 22 hours and 30 minutes, alongside his dad

Albie-Junior and his dad also aimed to raise funds for their local football club, Holywell Town FC, so far collecting £3,085.

The pair are already looking ahead to embarking on their next challenge, aiming to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania next year.

Asked if he had any nerves or reservations about the prospect of climbing Africa's highest peak, standing at an impressive 5,895 metres, Albie-Junior simply said: "No."

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