CHILDLINE volunteer Becca Cripps is to take on the challenge of a lifetime trekking to the base camp of Mount Everest all in aid of the children’s charity.

Becca, 27, of Ilkley decided to take on the challenge after she tragically lost a family member to suicide and she decided to use her Everest trip as a fundraising opportunity.

Becca said: “I love volunteering for Childline as I feel that by just being there, being that contact for a child or young person I am able to contribute so much, just by listening. It can be really challenging, harrowing even when faced with contacts from young people who are feeling suicidal but I am so glad that I can be there for them.

“I hope the money I raise will help Childline reach even more vulnerable young people and know that out of my own personal experience something good can come.”

Childline counselling sessions about mental health issues peaked at 101,454 last year, as the number of children seeking help from the NSPCC-run service specifically for mental and emotional health, self-harm or suicidal thoughts and feelings rose 12 per cent. Of those, 2,907 counselling sessions were delivered at the Leeds base.

Becca is working hard at her preparation for the challenge in May, walking eight to nine miles at a time, completing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge and next weekend she will be climbing Mount Snowden.

Becca’s fellow Childline volunteers at the contact base in Leeds are full of admiration for the young nursery worker. Becca said: “Everyone has been really supportive and encouraging once they get over the surprise of the news.”

Darren Worth, Childline Supervisor at the Leeds base said: “We all wish Becca the very best in her challenge, it is so wonderful that she gives up her own time and volunteers for Childline, answering contacts from children and young people when they at their most vulnerable but then to also take on this trek too is nothing short of amazing. I hope everyone can show support for Becca by contributing to her fundraising just-giving page.”

If you would like to support Becca https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rl-cripps