A 13-year-old writer who suffers from a sensory condition has climbed her third mountain to raise money for a Saffron Walden-based writing group.

Lily Worboyes, from Ashdon, climbed both Snowdon and Scafell Pike in the past two years, and has now scaled Ben Nevis.

The challenge was made all the more difficult by Lily's Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

Laura and Lily Worboyes at the summit of Ben NevisLaura and Lily Worboyes at the summit of Ben Nevis (Image: Laura Worboyes)

Her mum Laura, who accompanied her on all three climbs, said: "Lily’s SPD causes extreme touch sensitivity, so the feel of uncomfortable clothes and the weight of heavy bags was the first challenge of the day, especially as we were both feeling under the weather with colds. 

"We had to carry all our food and four litres of water, as well as spare clothes for Lily and extra for the freezing (-1 degrees), windy and possibly wet conditions awaiting us at the summit."

During the 12-hour trek, Lily also experienced a panic attack halfway up Ben Nevis, and Laura's cold turned out to be tonsillitis.

Laura said: "Lily took great care of me, carrying extra weight to make things easier for me and looking after me as I felt faint and sick along the last part of the descent.

Lily Worboyes on Ben NevisLily Worboyes on Ben Nevis (Image: Laura Worboyes)

"I was going very slowly but Lily's patience, encouragement and support got me safely to the end."

Through her climbs, Lily has raised money for Writers Room - a creative writing group where she is a member - which is run by Creative Walden and based at Fairycroft House.

You can donate to Lily and Laura's fundraiser at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lily-worboyes-1.

Writers Room published Lily's Greek mythology-inspired book, Tartarus' Box, earlier this year - with artist Lainie Bazzoni-Skinner donating more than 20 full-colour illustrations.

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Paul Bellany, who has tutored the group since 2017, said Lily has become a "great inspiration" for other writers in the group.

He said: "As soon as she joined Writers Room you could see she had a gift for expressing herself in her writing."

Fellow tutor Alice Bromell added: "We are all so proud of them both.

"They raised over £2,000 last year. This is a major help to keeping the group going."