A man’s birthday celebrations on England’s third highest mountain were brought to a premature end when he fell and injured himself.
Helvellyn's summit and Striding Edge
The 75-year-old Nottingham man was atop Helvellyn today when he slipped and injured his hip. Mountain rescue teams were called out when he was unable to carry on walking. His family and passing walkers helped him to the summit shelter and rang for help.
Members of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team were airlifted half way up the mountain by air ambulance. From the Hole in the Wall, the team made its way along Striding Edge to reach the stricken walker.
Penrith MRT joined the Patterdale team at the summit shelter on top of the 950m (3,117ft) Lakeland fell.
The man, who has not been named, was treated by the rescuers then he was lowered 250m (820ft) by stretcher into Brown Cove.
He was reunited with his wife before being taken by the team’s vehicle to their headquarters in Patterdale, from where an ambulance transported him to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.
OMR
19 August 2008I wish him a good recovery, and many more years in the hills.
Gary
20 August 2008I think this is a friend of mine and I'm waiting to hear news. Thanks for your good wishes OMR and many thanks to all the folks that assisted in his rescue and treatment.
Guest
26 August 2008What great news that someone decides to spend their 75th birthday celebrating on the summit of Helvellyn - thats what I think. I intend to be fit enough to do that myself in 30 yeras or so!