“I know it’s absolutely safe, and I won’t let Payne face anything dangerous,” Mona wrote on her blog, where she posted photos of herself climbing while carrying her daughter. Despite saying that, the photos show that both Mona and her partner were wearing safety helmets, but her daughter had no protective gear at all. Netizens were outraged, calling Mona “utterly stupid.”
Despite hearing a lot of criticism, Mona remains determined. “Over the past two years, rock climbing, kayaking, and canoeing have all been new and exciting activities for me. They’ve been fun for Payne too, and I want to foster her love and appreciation for outdoor sports from a young age,” Mona said enthusiastically about her daughter. It turns out that when Payne was only four months old, Mona carried her to conquer the highest mountain in southern Wales. “While I was climbing, she was fast asleep. Safety was definitely my top priority. I understand people’s concerns, but we were all tied in with safety ropes, so there’s no need to worry.”
Mona divorced her husband when she was three months pregnant, after which she moved back in with her parents in Wales, where she still lives. Currently, Mona is pursuing a degree in outdoor education at the University of Wales. In her spare time, she works as an outdoor sports coach, helping others develop an interest in outdoor activities. “I think climbing is great—not just physically, but also mentally. Life is always full of risks, whether you’re driving every day or going rock climbing,” Mona said, unable to hide her passion for outdoor sports. Reported by Times reporter Guan Wucheng; translated.