On the 30th August 2025, me and my partner Liv arrived in Seathwaite on the first of our 9 day Lake District road trip. Bad weather was coming in later that day, so we set off early doors and bagged the 2 Wainwrights we wanted to get done, Green Crag and Harter Fell. The plan was to get back to the van and do the 1 minute journey up the road to the campsite we were planning to stay at that night, Turner Hall Farm Campsite.
We got back to the van, I started it and drove up the road. As I turned onto the campsite track, smoke started to pour out of the bonnet, we rushed out and the first thing I spotted was flames. I grabbed the fire extinguisher but it was too late.
We sat and watched our van burn along with our belongings for about 40 minutes whilst we waited for the Fire Service, by which point the fire had pretty much put itself out.
Me and Liv were unharmed which was our first and main concern. Belongings can be replaced, which brings me to the main focus of this blog post.
Through the generosity of the industry I have been so lucky and fortunate to find myself working in, a large majority of the kit we lost in the fire has since been replaced. An uphill battle with our insurance has left us stuck with replacing our belongings, so I dedicate this blog post to thanking those that have come to our aid and very kindly sent us replacement kit.
Stu - Facewest Director - Facewest Instagram
Without the thoughtfulness of Stu sending an email to his contacts, this blog post would not have been written. So thank you Stu for sending out an email, plus for sending up some kit! Replacing the van was one thing, but the thought of replacing all the kit was just another weight on our shoulders, which has now been lifted.
Matt - Big Agnes - Big Agnes Instagram
Our beloved Big Agnes Dream Island sleeping bag sadly perished in the fire. The Dream Island is a double synthetic sleeping bag that was just perfect for our van trips. The bottom half of the bag synched to the corners of the rock and roll bed, stopping it from moving. The top half is zipped on both sides to the bottom sheet so it can be used as a big double sleeping bag, and can be unzipped to be used as just a duvet. Thank you Matt for very kindly sending out a replacement Dream Island, we would have really missed this bag as it was just perfect for the van!
Ed - Rab - Rab Instagram
Out of the blue a box with my name on turned up at the office, the box practically splitting it was packed that full. I opened the box and was just amazed with the generosity of Rab, sending me a full wardrobe of clothing. Amongst the items was a Mythic Ultra Jacket and a Mythic Ultra 360 sleeping bag. Along with the Mythic Ultra kit I received a replacement Veil XP 20, I loved this pack and had big plans which I thought would have to go on hold whilst I purchased another one, but Rab quickly saw to that! I also received some fleeces (Ascendor Pull On & Evolute Hoody), a Khroma Latok and some Pivot Gore Tex gloves. Again, a massive shout out to Ed and the team at Rab, I can't wait to put this kit to use!
Lawrence - MSR/Helinox - MSR/Helinox Instagram
Thank you Lawrence for very generously sending out a set of MSR Solo Ceramic pots and a Helinox chair for both me and Liv! I've already set up the chairs in the living room and they are really comfy, perfect after a big day on the hills! I can picture it now... heading back to the van to cook up a storm, then relax on the Helinox chairs with my tea and a beer. We're really grateful for the box you sent, thanks again!
Jim - Norrona - Jim/Norrona Instagram
I had a smile from ear to ear when I received an email from Stu saying Jim had sent a Norrona Falketind Gore Tex jacket to replace the Gore shell I lost in the fire, plus 2 very nice T-Shirts. This jacket feels amazing and perfect for some wet weather hiking. I received this jacket in the Exuberance colour which is a two tone Orange, it looks amazing! Norrona is still quite new to Facewest and I have been very keen to take one the jackets out, so a massive thanks to Jim for sending me one! I'll be testing this out as soon as possible.
Alex - Lyon/GSI - Lyon/GSI Instagram
The first box to turn up was from Alex at Lyon. I seriously can't thank you enough with how quick you got me a replacement GSI Halulite Microdualist pot set. Me and Liv took this everywhere as it is small, compact and perfect for pretty much any adventure. We used this set in the van as a kettle, along with the 2 cups/bowls provided in the set. We also used this set for brews at the summits, and coffee's in the morning after a wild camp. Thank you again for the speedy replacement, losing this set left a big hole in our camping kit, so I'm very grateful to have it replaced.
Last Words
I would just like to say one last thank you to this list of generous folk who have sent me out kit. This has been a pretty tough period for both me and Liv, so we are just forever grateful for the help and support that we have received from the outdoor community. We are very much ready and looking forward to get out on some new adventures!
Thank you.
Charlie & Liv