AN inspirational teenager with Down’s Syndrome who was told she may never be able to walk has climbed the highest peaks in every country in the British Isles.

April Pung, from Southend, has conquered Snowdon, Ben Nevis, Scarfell Pike, Carrauntoohil, and Slieve Donard along with her family in a bid to inspire others.

The 14-year-old was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome at birth, and within 12 hours was also told about a life-threatening heart defect. 

April was in heart failure from birth and was incredibly frail for the first year of her life, including being told it was unlikely she would ever walk unaided.

READ MORE >> Person dies after being hit by train at Benfleet station

But April has defied expert opinion and alongside mum Kate Williams, 38, and brother, Draigen Pung, 12, has climbed the highest peaks in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Mum Kate said: “We didn’t know anything about her condition until she was born, but I always wanted just two things for her, which was to be able to build relationships with others and to have freedom.

“She struggles very much still with hypermobility which means with rocky terrain, she struggled to hold her balance.

“I had to offer her support up some of the mountains, but she is the one who has taken every step.

“April has a really strong personality and is very determined. sShe also wants to inspire others.

“She loves the achievement she has completed and just feels so proud of herself and how far she has come.”

April completed her first climb up Snowdon back in 2017 when she was just nine years old, before then tackling Ben Nevis and Scarfell Pike in 2021.

Once she had completed three, she knew she wanted to push to complete all five, and finished her final climb up Slieve Donard last week.

Kate says her daughter acts as an inspiration to her and the rest of the family.

She added: “I could not be prouder of the beautiful young lady that my daughter has become.

“So strong spirited and with such an energy and zest for life.

“She inspires me every day and reminds me not to live within my own perceived limitations.”