Dave and Will Garratt went to the Lake District for a father-and-son camping trip during the Easter holidays. They hiked for three hours before deciding to set up camp and settle down for the night near Sprinkling Tarn on Seathwaite Fell.
They'd planned to reach the summit in the next day but during the night things took a turn for the worse. Will started feeling unwell at 4am and began profusely vomiting, and was unable to eat or drink anything - not even water.
Speaking to Lancs Live, 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.
“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.”
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 said: “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 sponsor Will visit his JustGiving page.
