10 year old Wiltshire boy defeats norovirus to conquer Three Peaks
Felix Dennis-Iles took on the challenge for Julia's House Children's Hospice
Last updated 2nd Jul 2024
A 10 year old boy from Wiltshire has conquered the three peaks challenge to raise over £1,000 for Julia's House Children's Hospice after contracting norovirus during his first attempt.
Felix Dennis-Iles took on the challenge with his Dad, David Iles, in May, scaling Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike during the school half-term in May.
The pair had hoped to complete their three-day adventure by reaching the top of Mount Snowdon - but both fell ill with norovirus, forcing them to abandon the challenge.
But the pair have now completed the challenge of scaling the three highest peaks in the UK.
“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.
He added: “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 continued: “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!
“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 provides critical and compassionate care to families of children with life-threatening and complex life-limiting conditions across Wiltshire, with specialist nurses and carers providing free and tailored care to families at their hospice in Devizes and their homes.
Felix said: “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!”