Boy, 9, climbs Three Peaks to raise money for mountain rescuers who saved him

A nine-year-old boy has climbed the Three Peaks to raise funds to thank mountain rescuers who helped him.

Will Garratt from North Yorkshire has raised more than £2,500 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

The youngster’s mission to help rescuers came after he woke up vomiting while on a wild camping trip with his dad near Sprinkling Tarn on Seathwaite Fell, in April.

Will’s dad Dave had to call mountain rescue after they attempted to descend, as Will’s health began to deteriorate.

Both Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and GNAAS responded to the call and got them both to safety so Will could receive medical attention.

Although the young lad was still being sick and drifting in and out of sleep, paramedics and a doctor assured him he did not need to go to the hospital and he would feel better soon.

As reported by the BBC, 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 12 hours once home.”

To thank his rescuers and give something back Will wanted to raise money for the team by climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis before his 10th birthday in September.

The father and son duo climbed Snowdon first and then tackled Scafell Pike which Dave described as their ‘Nemesis’ after two failed attempts due to weather and illness.

Will’s older brother Tom joined them to complete Ben Nevis, where they hiked for over seven hours.

His challenge raised a total of £1,800 with his school holding another fundraiser which brought in a further £717.

Dave added: “I’m super proud of Will and his determination throughout the challenge.

“I gave him a medal at the top of each peak and a badge for his GNAAS hoodie which he wears with pride.”