The man fell 150m down the Red Tarn side of Swirral Edge

The man fell 150m down the Red Tarn side of Swirral Edge

A man was airlifted from England’s third-highest mountain after falling almost 500ft from a ridge.

The 27-year-old tumbled about 150m from Swirral Edge on Helvellyn yesterday, Monday.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 2.45pm and was joined in the operation by members of the neighbouring Penrith team.

A Patterdale MRT spokesperson said: “A group of nearby walkers saw him fall and went to his assistance and raised the alarm by calling 999 and asking for mountain rescue.

“The team was called, together with an air ambulance, but due to the weather at scene the helicopter was unable to get near to the casualty site and had to abort.

“Due to the potential seriousness of the fall, the team requested a Coastguard helicopter with winching facilities to help with the evacuation of the casualty. The team also asked for the assistance of Penrith Mountain Rescue Team.

“Mountain Rescue Team members treated the casualty on scene and the Coastguard Sikorsky helicopter, battling poor visibility and winter weather manoeuvred, into the gully and winched the casualty on board.

“The casualty was then flown onwards to Preston hospital for further treatment.

“Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team would like to thank their colleagues in Penrith Mountain Rescue Team, Cumbria Police and the crew of the Coastguard helicopter for all their help and assistance.”

The man who fell from Swirral Edge, Adam How of Stockton-on-Tees, posted today on Facebook: “I’m in Preston recovering well. Thanks again to all the rescue team.

“You guys did a great job keeping my spirit high whilst I was down and out. Let’s hope we don’t meet under the same circumstances again!”

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