8-Year-Old Boy Climbs 8 Mountains to Raise Sepsis Awareness in Memory of Grandmother

An eight-year-old schoolboy from Preston is undertaking a series of mountain climbs to raise funds and awareness for sepsis after the loss of his grandmother.

Arthur Pryce is aiming to climb eight hills and mountains in memory of his grandmother, Hazel, who died from sepsis in 2024. Accompanied by his mother, Jessica Pryce, and supported by their extended family, Arthur has already completed several routes across the Lake District and Lancashire.

The fundraising effort supports The UK Sepsis Trust. As of the latest reports, the challenge has raised £515. On May 3, 2026, Arthur and his mother were scheduled to climb Pendle Hill in East Lancashire as part of the eight-walk series.

I’m doing this challenge because I don’t want other children to be sad like I am, missing someone because of sepsis. And I don’t want other people to get sepsis. I wanted to raise money in memory of my Grandma because she would be proud of me

Arthur Pryce, 8-year-old participant

The Impact of Sepsis

The challenge follows the death of Hazel, 61, who became unwell toward the end of summer 2024. Her condition deteriorated over subsequent months, leading to her admission to the hospital on December 13. She subsequently developed pneumonia and a kidney infection, both of which progressed to sepsis.

Hazel was placed into a coma and on life support on December 31, but she passed away in the early hours of December 24. Her family described her as a strong and active woman, a mother of six and grandmother of twelve.

Jessica Pryce stated that the family’s goal is to help ensure other families do not have to hear medical professionals say, It’s sepsis, I’m sorry, there’s nothing more that we can do.

Understanding Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. If not recognized early and treated promptly, the condition can lead to multiple organ failure, shock, and death.

According to data provided by The UK Sepsis Trust, the condition affects 245,000 people in the UK annually. It is reported to claim 48,000 lives each year, which averages to five deaths every hour. The trust notes that sepsis is as common in the UK as heart attacks, affecting nearly 80,000 people annually in a manner comparable to cardiac events.

We are incredibly moved by Arthur’s determination and the strength of his family, especially his mother Jessica. Taking on such a challenge at a young age in memory of his grandmother is truly inspiring, and his efforts will allow us to continue our vital work, helping our health service save lives and improve outcomes for the thousands of people affected by this condition every year.

Dr Ron Daniels BEM, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the UK Sepsis Trust

The UK Sepsis Trust works to improve the recognition and treatment of the condition within the health service to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes.