Schoolboy attempting record-breaking challenge to climb 32 mountains across 32 countries for heartwarming reason

A nine-year-old is set to climb 32 mountains across 32 countries – and it’s for a heartwarming reason.

Frankie McMillan took up climbing at just three years old and has scaled more than 900 mountains around the world to date.

These include the highest mountains Greece, England, Wales, Slovakia, Ireland, Poland, Czech Republic, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

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His next challenge is his biggest yet: to climb the highest peak in every European country with a summit higher than 900 metres.

That brings the challenge to 32 mountains across 32 countries.

Frankie is on a mission to raise a whopping £50,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to show his love and support for his school-friend Xander, who suffers from a critical heart condition.

“What really defines him, though, isn’t just the number of peaks – it’s the purpose behind them,” Frankie’s mum, Basia, from Gosforth, Cumbria, told What’s The Jam.

“He’s always used his adventures to support good causes, raising thousands of pounds for charities like the Anthony Nolan Foundation, Wasdale Mountain Rescue, and Make‑A‑Wish.

“A few months ago, he found out that a close school friend had been diagnosed with a serious heart condition.

“That hit him hard, and he immediately wanted to do something meaningful.

“That’s why we chose to support CRY, a charity that provides free heart screenings.

“Their work is vital, especially when you realise that every week in the UK, 12 young, fit people lose their lives to undiagnosed cardiac issues.”

Basia, 42, said Frankie had originally planned to climb the ten highest peaks in 10 European countries when he turned 10, but plans changed quickly.

She said: “He didn’t want to leave out mountains or countries just because they didn’t fit neatly into a list of ten.

“So he set himself a much bigger challenge: to climb the highest peak in every European country with a summit higher than 900 metres – higher than Scafell Pike.

“If he completes it, he’ll become the youngest person ever to do so and will set a world record.

“But for Frankie, the record isn’t the main goal – he wants this challenge to help save young lives.

“Every climb is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for heart screenings, and to making sure other families don’t face the heartbreak that so many do.”

Frankie’s mum says that despite his enthusiasm and experience, a climb on this scale will be a “real test of strength and determination”.

While the youngster has an impressive track record, it comes with many challenges.

Basia explained: “[It means] weeks away from home, family and friends; travelling from country to country over long distances; new accommodation and surroundings pretty much every day.

“Weeks of physical and mental challenge is tough for anyone, let alone a 10-year-old child.

“But if you have heard about Frankie, you know that he never gives up!

“And keeping his motivation high will be his thoughts of Xander and the reason Frankie wants to use his huge adventure to raise funds for CRY.

The two boys met just last year, when a move to a new school year, with a different class and different students, meant Frankie struggled to build new friendships.

Xander looked out for Frankie, and the two formed a firm friendship.

When Frankie discovered that Xander, along with his brother and dad, had a critical heart condition called Long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2).

It’s a life-threatening disorder that can lead to sudden cardiac death due to life-threatening arrhythmias.

Basia said: “He was really touched by his new friend’s situation, and so he dedicated his next challenge to Xander and other children like him, fundraising for CRY.”

Frankie is aiming to complete the challenge this year, though it is dependent on a number of factors.

The weather is a huge obstacle that could get in the way of Frankie’s plan, as most of the peaks can only be attempted safely during the main hiking season, in late spring to early autumn.

Outside of that window, high‑altitude mountains become far more dangerous because of avalanche risk, extreme cold, and, in some cases, full national park closures.

Basia added: “We also have to balance this with the fact that Frankie is still a schoolboy.

“His education is a priority, so he can only climb during school holidays.

“That reduces the available time even further.”

She added that there are also financial obstacles to face when it comes to such a huge international project, with travel, logistics, equipment and covering so many countries to consider.

Basia said: “Funding is probably the biggest variable in determining how quickly we can complete the challenge.

“We’re actively looking for sponsors who want to invest in Frankie’s journey and be part of something truly special – a world‑record attempt that also helps save young lives.

“With the right support behind us, we’re confident the full project could be completed during the 2026 climbing season.”

You can donate to Frankie’s fundraiser here.

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