Unpaid volunteers from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team left their families and places of work on Wednesday 20th April in glorious sunshine to rescue an elderly gentleman who was suffering from cramp during his walk above Deepdale. The gentleman’s location was close to the summit of Cofa Pike, one of the least accessible places within Patterdale’s area and the subject of many a discussion on the best route in!

Thankfully, on arrival at the scene the gentleman, who was a keen walker, was beginning to feel well again. However, as a precautionary measure, he was assessed by team medics before being evacuated by stretcher down via Grisedale Forest. During the evacuation the Team received two further requests for assistance. The first, from a group who found themselves on steep ground during their descent from Sticks Pass towards Greenside Mines.

A member of the team were able to make contact via mobile phone, ascertain their location and guide the group back onto safe ground. The group, who were extremely grateful, were then able to continue their descent back into the Glenridding. The second, from a lady who was concerned for the whereabouts of her husband, who was late in returning from Helvellyn to their car, parked at Swirls Carpark, Thirlmere.

Thankfully as the team were talking with the gentleman and Keswick MRT, he confirmed he was safe and well and within five minutes walk from the car park. On returning back to base, team members had a “quick cup of tea” before repacking the medical and rescue equipment and the Landrovers in readiness for the next rescue.

At 17:18 on Monday 11/04/2022 Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was alterted by Cumbria Police to a report of an exhausted walker on Striding Edge. The reporting person was contacted by mobile phone and, after an initial assessment, they were encouraged to make there way slowly down with the exhausted walker.

Meanwhile, a small party of Team members ascended to meet them. The casualty was examined and provided with additional food and drink before they completed the descent to the Valley. The rescue lasted two hours and involved 6 team members.