2025-07-26T19:54:00Z

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Imagine sending your child on a fun school trip, only to have them return home in agony, suffering from second-degree sunburn. That’s the shocking reality for Simon Oakley, whose 12-year-old son Oliver came back from a school holiday in Spain with burns that left him crying in pain.

In May, Oliver Oakley set off for a week-long adventure to Barcelona with his classmates from Parklands High School in Chorley, Lancashire. The excitement was palpable, but what unfolded during their last day at a water park turned into a nightmare. With temperatures soaring to a scorching 30 degrees Celsius, the day should have been filled with laughter and splashes – but instead, it became a painful lesson in sun safety.

Simon Oakley was understandably furious when he received messages from his son during the bus ride home, revealing the extent of his injuries. “I feel incredibly let down and disappointed with the school,” Simon expressed. His words resonate with any parent who has trusted educators to keep their children safe.

During his time at the water park, Oliver was reportedly not given any sun cream, nor was he wearing a T-shirt or a hat to protect himself from the brutal sun. When Simon saw the condition of his son’s skin, he was devastated. “He sent us a video showing how red and blistered his back and shoulders were,” he recounted, emotions surging as he remembered the pain his son felt.

As the family learned more about Oliver's ordeal, they discovered that he had been given just paracetamol and heavy-duty plasters for his burns while still on the bus. Unfortunately, this was far from adequate. By the time they reached Preston Royal Hospital, the situation had worsened. Medical staff confirmed the burns were second-degree and took immediate action to treat Oliver's painful blisters, which had developed during the lengthy journey home.

“It left him screaming in agony and in tears on the floor,” Simon said, his heart heavy as he recalled that traumatic moment. This wasn’t just an accident; it was a stark reminder of the importance of sun safety. With a formal complaint already lodged against Parklands High School, Simon emphasized that “no child should come home in that kind of pain after what’s meant to be a fun trip.”

While Oliver is on the mend, his father worries about the lasting effects of this experience. “It took about a month for his skin to get back to normal, but he’s now wary about going outside in the sun,” Simon shared. The emotional scars can be just as painful as the physical ones, and this incident has sparked a conversation about the need for schools to prioritize sun safety.

As summer approaches, parents should be vigilant in ensuring their children are protected from the sun’s harmful rays, particularly during school trips. This incident serves as a wake-up call for all of us.