Girl bitten by snake was left in hospital when her organs ‘shut down’

A schoolgirl’s organs started to ‘shut down’ within hours of her being bitten by an adder at a nature reserve.

The venomous snake sunk its fangs into Lil Lythgo’s hand when she was on an adder trail with her family at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, Colchester, in Essex, on Sunday. 

The trail involved searching for pictures of Britain’s only venomous snake to win a prize, but the family were surprised to spot one of them slithering around during their walk. 

Little Lil, 11, crouched down to take a look at the reptile and it was then that the snake launched itself at her, causing the girl to burst into tears. 

Her hand started to swell and her panicked mother, Sam Lythgo, 41, rushed her daughter to Colchester General hospital.

An adder sunk its fangs into Lil Lythgo’s hand when she was on an adder trail with her family at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, Colchester, in Essex

By the time they arrived at A&E her chest had started to swell and the venom – which could be seen tracking down her arm – was causing Lil to be violently sick

By the time they arrived at A&E her chest had started to swell and the venom – which could be seen tracking down her arm – was causing Lil to be violently sick.

Within 20 minutes, Ms Lythgo said her daughter’s organs started to shut down and she only started to feel better when doctors administered the last anti-venom dosage it had available. 

Essex Wildlife Trust’s website tells visitors to wear suitable footwear and to stick to the path because of the presence of adders. 

While an information page about the reptile on the site says: ‘… its venom is generally of little danger to humans: an adder bite can be painful and cause a inflammation, but is really only dangerous to the very young, ill or old. If bitten, medical attention should be sought immediately, however.’ 

There is also signage at the entrance of the nature reserve warning adders will bite if they are disturbed and to call an ambulance immediately if you are attacked.  

Ms Lythgo described the ordeal as ‘horrific’ to The Mirror  and said: ‘Within 20 minutes her organs were shutting down and you could see the venom tracking up her arm. They couldn’t find her pulse at one point and they gave her adrenaline.

‘They got her some anti-venom and 20 minutes later she said “I feel better”. It was only an hour from when she was bitten, it was insane.’

Lil, who wants to be a vet, had always wanted a snake as a pet, but her mother says she now has been put off by the idea. 

She was able to go home a couple of days after being admitted to hospital. 

Ms Lythgo said she now wants to raise awareness about the dangers of the reptile.

Within 20 minutes, mother Sam Lythgo said her daughter’s organs started to shut down and Lil only started to feel better when doctors administered the last anti-venom dosage it had available

A sign placed at the entrance of the nature reserve warns visitors about adders at the site and what to do if they are bitten

Adders are Britain’s only venomous snake. Essex Wildlife Trust said there is a sign at the entrance of the nature reserve which warns people about the dangers of the reptile

‘If I had taken her home I don’t know if she would be here now,’ she said. ‘I don’t want another parent to go through what we have.’

A spokesperson from Essex Wildlife Trust said they had spoken regularly with the family since the incident.

They told MailOnline: ‘Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Centre has a clear sign at the entrance to our centre and on our website about adders, including information about taking caution and what to do if bitten. 

‘In this instance, the family also spoke to staff ahead of their walk where they stated they were looking for adders and were advised to remain on the path and to keep their distance from adders.’