Cornish teen tackles two mountains in three days for veterans charity

A TEENAGER from Launceston has conquered the summits of two mountains in a matter of days, in an effort to raise money for charity.

In November 2025, Finn Mason from Launceston, aged only 16 at the time, announced that he would be travelling to the continent and taking on Mont Blanc, aiming to become the first recorded under-18 Cornish youth to reach the 4,810m peak.

Unfortunately, with a heatwave melting glaciers and with a number of fatalities recorded on the mountain, guides made the difficult decision to withdraw all climbers. However, with HighGround, a charity which supports service leavers and veterans to find jobs, careers and vocational opportunities in the land-based sector, in his heart, Finn was determined to push forward and tackle a mountain peak.

Now aged 17, Finn travelled across three countries between July 28 and July 30, flying abroad on his own for the first time, and meeting people he’d never met, before pushing himself to the limit, taking on 4,061m of elevation and successfully summiting Gran Paradiso, the highest mountain entirely within Italy.

However, Finn’s challenge didn’t end their. After conquering Italy, his focus turned to the Swiss Alps, where he and the team would push forward and make their way up a further 4,017m incline on Weissmies in Switzerland.

Despite facing setbacks and hurdles, Finn tackled them head on and has said that the lessons he learnt will stay with him forever.

He said: “The lessons I learnt from the professionals are ones I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. This climb has opened doors for my future that I never imagined, and to summit not one, but two 4,000m peaks in three days after Mont Blanc was cancelled was an incredible feeling.”

Finn has thanked everyone for their support during the climb and those who have donated to the cause

“I can’t thank everyone who helped me enough,” he continued. “We have had some super generous donations to the charity like from The Orchard Centre, and Cornish Lithium but everyone’s donations make the difference, no matter how big or small. I also want to thank Horizon Home Improvements for their donation towards my costs of getting out there”

So far, Finn has raised more than £4,200 for HighGround, but is hopeful that he will be able to reach and even surpass his £5,000 target.

“I'm continuing to support HighGround, a charity that helps serving personnel, veterans and service leavers build confidence, develop new skills and find meaningful careers in the land-based sector,” Finn explained. “HighGround receives no statutory funding, relying entirely on grants and public donations, so every contribution really does make a difference.

“As I hope to join the Royal Marines in the future, this is a charity that could one day support me too, making this challenge even more personal.”

Those looking to support the cause can do so via Finn’s fundraising page: www.goodhub.com/go/montblancchallenge.