AN ASTHMA sufferer, who feels the cold, will hike to Everest base camp to raise funds for the hospital that treated his baby son.

Dad-of-three Phill Watts will attempt to conquer the base camp, and surrounding peaks, in aid of the Noah’s Ark children’s hospital appeal after his five-week old son Archie needed treatment there.

Archie was diagnosed with bronchiolitis in 2017.

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection affecting babies and young children under two years old.

The 39-year-old dad will take on the biggest challenge of his life – starting Friday, October 4.

He will hike to Everest base camp, at 5364m, while also summiting three other peaks - Renjo La, at 5360m; Cho La, at 5420m; and Kongma La at 5535m.

Mr Watts, of Baruc Way, Barry, said: “I’m raising money for this charitable cause because it means so much to me and my family in raising awareness of bronchiolitis in babies and children, as well as raising the much-needed funds so Noah’s Ark children’s hospital are able to keep on doing the amazing work they do every day.

“Archie, my son as born on November 7, 2017 at a very healthy 9lb 12.5oz.

“His eight-year-old brother Luca and two-year-old sister Evelyn at the time were both very happy to meet their baby brother.

“When Archie was a day over five weeks-old we had to take him to the doctor, as he had a nasty cough and cold, thinking we would be going on a trip to the pharmacy for some medication.

“But boy were we wrong.”

Mr Watts and his wife Katrina, 37, then saw Archie get checked over and straight away taken into another room.

Archie was put on oxygen and before they waited for an ambulance to take him into hospital for further assessments.

“After being assessed he was admitted straight onto a ward at Noah’s Ark children’s hospital, given oxygen and diagnosed with bronchiolitis until he was well enough to return home,” Mr Watts said.

“This was the worst feeling we have ever felt as you are in a position where you can’t do anything for your child, you feel so helpless.

"We never knew the seriousness of bronchiolitis in babies until this happened to Archie.

“Over the next year or so we were back and forth Noah’s Ark hospital being admitted and treating his symptoms.

“Thankfully, after he turned one, he could have medication that helped and he hasn’t been admitted since.

"We are praying this continues.

"The work that all the nurses and doctor do at Noah’s Ark children’s hospital every day is second to none and by raising money for this amazing charity I know it will be used to provide up to date equipment, facilities, and services for families.”

Mr Watts said training has been going well.

“I’m least looking forward to the cold as I feel the cold a lot especially my toes and I won’t have my wife to warm them up on,” he said.

“Since Archie turned one, he was diagnosed with asthma induced bronchiolitis so was able to have an asthma pump to help relieve any symptoms that he displayed and stopped further hospital admissions.

“He has been fine since, but however the winter months is where he suffers most and we pray he doesn’t get admitted again.

“Being an asthma sufferer myself what other challenge is there that will push me to my limits?”

To support, visit justgiving.com/Phill-Watts1