Lancashire student praised after helping stranded hikers down Helvellyn in treacherous conditions

A student has been praised for his quick thinking and bravery after helping a group of hikers safely descend Helvellyn during severe weather conditions.

Caelan Blades (16) a Functional Skills English and Maths student at Burnley Collage was hiking the Lake District peak with his friend Rowan earlier this year when they encountered dangerous conditions near the summit.

The pair set off at 6am in fine weather and were looking forward to reaching the top. However, after more than an hour of walking, conditions began to worsen, with snow and strong winds making the route increasingly hazardous.

As they made their way down the mountain, Caelan noticed that many walkers were still attempting the climb despite the deteriorating weather.

Among them was a woman who appeared to be struggling on the icy terrain.

Caelan, a former pupil at Mount Carmel RC High School in Accrington, said: “A man with her explained that she’d had a panic attack. He had to move her legs for her because she was so scared. He wanted to carry on to the top, so I tried to talk to them, but I had to shout over the wind.”

Realising the potential danger, Caelan and Rowan stepped in to help. The pair guided the group to a safer location where they were able to stop and talk, while also offering food and spare equipment. Caelan then took the lead in helping the group down the mountain.

He said: “I tried to make the best path I could. I stayed ahead to catch anyone if they slipped. The woman also had a dog on an extendable lead. I offered to carry the dog, but she insisted on picking it up herself.”

The descent took around 35 minutes and was completed in stages due to the difficult conditions. The group paused at Red Tarn, a safer section of the route, before continuing down to the foot of the mountain.

After reaching safety, Caelan and Rowan also spoke to other walkers who appeared to be inadequately equipped for the conditions, encouraging them to reconsider their plans in an effort to prevent further incidents.

Those who know Caelan say the experience has significantly boosted his confidence.

His Burnley College tutor, Joanne, praised the teenager’s actions and the progress he has made over the past 18 months.

She said: “We are so proud of Caelan and his achievements with us. I met him 18 months ago and the progress he’s made in that time is massive. What he did that day is so inspiring. It isn’t a big deal to him because it comes to him so naturally, but he saved people’s lives.”

Caelan’s calm response and willingness to help others in challenging circumstances have earned admiration from staff and fellow students alike, with many describing his actions as both courageous and selfless.

Helvellyn is the third-highest peak in both England and the Lake District, standing at 950 metres (3,116 feet). Famous for its dramatic knife-edge ridges – Striding Edge and Swirral Edge – it is one of Britain's most popular mountain walks.