Hero boy leads father to safety

Sem Slaven began mountain climbing aged three

A seven-year-old boy saved his father's life by guiding him down Britain's highest mountain after he was partially blinded during a climb.

Geoff Slaven, 54, an experienced mountaineer, fell ill during a difficult holiday climb on the Scottish peak of Ben Nevis with son Sem.

An attack of glaucoma in one eye left Mr Slaven helpless near The Saddle on the famous mountain.

Acting as his father's eyes, Sem led him down the mountain side over rough terrain to safety.

I had to trust Sem with my life and he was absolutely brilliant

Geoff Slaven

Mr Slaven said he had no option but to turn to his young son, who responded with bravery and maturity.

He said: "It was remarkable, he responded positively to everything I asked of him and no adult could have done any more than he did.

"It was a remarkable insight into his character."

The ordeal continued after the eight-hour descent from the mountain as the pair then had an arduous journey back to base.

However, Sem remains modest about his actions.

He said: "I just led him down the mountain and he followed me."

Having started climbing on Scottish mountains at the age of three, Sem said that he was able to use all of his father's training to guide him to safety.

Mr Slaven, a joiner from Retford in Nottinghamshire, told The Times newspaper that he was unable to get a signal on his mobile phone to call for help.

"I had to trust Sem with my life and he was absolutely brilliant," he said.

The schoolboy remains modest

"The sight in my left eye went suddenly. I felt sick, I was dizzy and I became weak. I have been climbing since I was a child but I felt helpless.

"If Sem hadn't been with me I dread to think what might have happened.

"It's a pretty steep slope down, but I know what his capabilities are and he has a very adult way of dealing with things.

"I have never felt so ill before. I was exhausted and as well as guiding me down, Sem gave me moral support and kept me going, saying things like, 'It won't be long dad, we'll be okay'."

Mr Slaven had to have emergency laser surgery on his eye at Aberdeen Royal Hospital to restore his sight.

Glaucoma, which can strike without warning, is a disease that can affect the optic nerve and result in blindness.