A FLINTSHIRE woman is scaling Britain’s highest peak in memory of a brave little girl who died after a long battle with leukaemia.

Family and friends were left devastated by the death of 11-year-old Caitlyn Rio Edwards, of Garden City, in July.

They described the inspirational youngster as a “little star” who was “loved by everybody”.

Now Clare Mardon, of Connah’s Quay, whose son grew up with Caitlyn, plans to climb Ben Nevis this weekend to raise money for Alder Hey hospital’s Imagine Appeal.

“I was so shocked when I heard Caitlyn had died. She was such a popular little girl and so beautiful. It was tragic,” she said.

“My son Tyrone is the same age as Caitlyn and they both went to the same childminder. I was good friends with her mum Annemarie but we moved away and lost touch.”

Caitlyn, who went to Mold Alun school, courageously fought the disease for a number of years and throughout her illness received treatment at Alder Hey hospital.

Tributes poured in following her death and more than 2,000 people have joined a Facebook group set up her in memory.

Clare, 32, has previously scaled two of Britain’s three peaks, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, and and by scaling Ben Nevis hopes to raise £1,000 for the Imagine Appeal, which aims to make a difference to the lives of thousands of children.

“I wanted to do something for Caitlyn and her family and this seemed perfect,” she said.

“I’m not a serious climber by any stretch but I’m determined to do it. Caitlyn was loved by so many people I’m sure I can reach my target.”

Clare is climbing the peak on Saturday with three former work colleagues, Tony Daly, Craig Jones and Steve Horsman, who all live in the Buckley area.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/Caitlyn-Edwards or by texting the amount you wish to donate followed by the code CXFN73 to 70070.