A 10-year-old has scaled the three highest peaks in the UK to raise more than £1,000 for a children’s hospice.
Felix Dennis-Iles, from Christian Malford, near Chippenham, reached the summits of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in support of Julia’s House.
Felix had planned to complete the challenge over three days during the school half term holiday in May.
However, both he and his dad, David Iles, caught norovirus, prompting them to delay the final mountain for several weeks.
Mr Iles said: "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.
"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."
He 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 wore his Julia’s House t-shirt throughout the climb and exceeded his goal of £500 by raising twice the amount.
He has set up a Just Giving Page, which is still open for donations.
He said: "I feel very proud to have completed the three peaks and I am very pleased to have raised over £1,000 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.“
Mr Iles said: "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 £1,000 for the charity."
Julia’s House children’s hospice provides care to families of children with life-threatening and complex 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.
Mr Iles added: "Felix really wanted to fundraise for a local charity that would help children of a similar age.
"He’s really pleased that he’s making a difference and we’re really thankful to all his family and friends for sponsoring him.”
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