A family trip to the Lake District turned into a nightmare when a dad and his son were forced to cut their adventure short in the early hours of the morning.
Nine-year-old Will Garratt wanted to use his school break to climb Scafell Pike in Cumbria with his father Dave, 45. After hiking for around three hours on day one, the pair decided to set up camp near Sprinkling Tarn on Seathwaite Fell before attempting to reach the summit the following morning.
But during the night, things took a turn for the worse when Will woke up at 4am.
READ MORE: Walk away if you see a stranger with an A4 piece of paper
The schoolboy began being sick and he couldn't stop. Dave said: “It was an amazing, clear night which meant that we were able to enjoy some stargazing. Unfortunately, Will woke at 4am vomiting.
"This was quite sudden and severe, but being dark and -1 degree Celsius outside, we had no option other than to wait it out and keep warm.”
Will continued to be sick and was unable to eat anything, including Haribo which they had packed, and every time he took sips of water this resulted in more vomiting.
Dave told Lancs Live: “As day broke, we packed up and prepared to descend. I strapped Will’s pack to mine and tried to assist Will who was still throwing up violently. About five to 10 minutes into the descent Will’s health was deteriorating.
"He was tough throughout with no complaining, but with strong winds and minus temperatures, it was clear we could not continue safely. Will was exhausted due to the sickness, drifting in and out of sleep, vomiting continuously, so we requested assistance from mountain rescue via our satellite communications.”
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) and Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) responded to the incident and Will was checked over by the paramedic and doctor team from GNAAS who reassured him that he would feel better soon and didn’t need to visit a hospital.
Due to the remote location, Will and his father went in the air ambulance and were airlifted down to Seathwaite in Borrowdale so they could easily reach their vehicle and drive back home. Dave added: “The sudden illness was a mystery. He had only eaten the same as me but he was totally exhausted and it continued for a further twelve hours once home.
“Although I have made contributions to both KMRT and GNAAS, Will wanted to show his gratitude personally. He has now decided to climb all three peaks – Scafell Pike 978m, Snowdon 1085m and Ben Nevis 1345m, this year before his 10th birthday in September in order to raise awareness and funding for both charities.”
To find out more or to sponsor Will, visit his JustGiving page.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Tributes to 'angel' left after teenager dies while swimming with friends
Parents of man killed in 'freak accident' in Greece dispel rumours
Holly Willoughby 'not allowed' to speak to Phillip Schofield as he makes desperate plea
The Chase's Jenny Ryan supported after 'last day' announcement
Emily Atack looks like a 'goddess' in 'dreamy' £32 New Look maxi dress
