Amazing child conquers UK’s highest peaks despite contracting virus

Despite contracting a virus part-way through his climb, a ten-year-old fundraiser from Wiltshire has scaled the three highest peaks in the UK to raise more than £1,000 for Julia’s House children’s hospice.

Felix Dennis-Iles hoped to complete the national three peaks challenge of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon over three days during the school half term holiday in May.

The Heywood Prep pupil and Bath Abbey chorister thought the mountains would be his biggest hurdle. But unfortunately, both Felix and his dad, David Iles, contracted norovirus during the challenge and had to abandon the final mountain until a few weeks later.

“I felt unwell when we were walking up Ben Nevis on the first day and Felix unfortunately became very ill on the second evening after we had completed Scafell Pike,” said David, from Christian Malford near Chippenham.

“We had hoped to complete Snowdon after a day of rest, but Felix was just too poorly, so we had to postpone our final peak until last Saturday.”

David said: “Despite the illness in between, Felix was incredible and powered up the mountains ahead of me. He loves all sports and never complains when we’re out walking our dog, so I knew he’d be fine – I was more worried about me.”

He added: “Felix was so proud to be wearing his Julia’s House t-shirt on the three peaks and is delighted to have smashed his target of £500 to raise more than £1000 for the charity.”

Julia’s House children’s hospice provides critical and compassionate care to families of children with life-threatening and complex life-limiting conditions across Wiltshire. The charity’s specialist nurses and carers provide free and tailored care for the whole family in their Devizes-based hospice and in families’ homes.

The charity relies almost entirely on donations to provide this vital service in the local community.

“Felix really wanted to fundraise for a local charity that would help children of a similar age,” said David. “He’s really pleased that he’s making a difference and we’re really thankful to all his family and friends for sponsoring him.”

Felix added, “I feel very proud to have completed the Three Peaks and I am very pleased to have raised over £1000 for such an important cause. The challenge was great fun even though it was made much harder by Norovirus. It is really cool to be only 10 and to have climbed the three highest mountains in the UK. I’m now thinking about the next challenge. “

Julia’s House fundraising assistant, Nicky Clack, said, “Felix is an inspiration to us all! We’re so delighted that he was able to complete his mountainous challenge and achieve his Julia’s House Level 1 Young Fundraiser award.

“As a charity we receive just eight per cent funding from the government, so fundraisers and supporters like Felix are the only reason we can keep caring for children and families in the local community.

“The incredible donations that Felix has raised will help a seriously ill child to play and achieve in a safe and caring environment, and give their family essential breaks and support. Thank you, Felix!”

You can still sponsor Felix and make a donation to Julia’s House at his Just Giving page.

Find out more about becoming a Julia’s House Young Fundraiser at www.juliashouse.org/young-fundraisers