'Unlucky' walker rescued from Cheviot hills - less than 20 miles into 268-mile fundraiser
Last updated 2nd Nov 2024
A sponsored hike along the Pennine Way was cut short for an unlucky walker on Saturday evening.
Setting off from Kirk Yetholm on a charity fundraiser around lunchtime, and intending to cover the entire 268 miles of the cross-border route over the course of a fortnight, he had initially made good progress.
But the man, named Theo, was about a mile past the high-point at Windy Gyle, in a remote part of the Cheviots, when he rolled an ankle on uneven ground.
Aware of the audible crack from the injured ankle, and finding himself unable to put weight on it, he set about making himself safe as night was falling, and raised the alarm.
Border Search and Rescue Unit were able to reach the casualty in two Land Rovers, despite the tricky terrain, and evacuated him to safety after putting his ankle in a splint.
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Volunteer Damon Rodwell said: “The injury was caused by an accident that can happen to anyone.
"Just about anyone who spends time in the hills will have rolled an ankle at some point. If it happens when you’re carrying a heavy pack – and Theo was well-equipped for a couple of weeks on the trail – it can very easily result in a serious sprain or a broken bone.
"As soon as he knew he was in trouble, he did exactly the right thing. He called 999, asked for Police, Mountain Rescue; erected his tent, and made himself as comfortable as possible.
"We found him warm, relatively comfortable and in good spirits. He’s clearly a fit, capable and organised guy, and we wish him well in his recovery.”
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It's not the only call-out for emergency teams in our region in recent days.
On Thursday afternoon, seven people had to be rescued from two vehicles trapped by the rising tide on the Holy Island causeway.
Police, coastguard and lifeboat teams responded to the callout after the alarm was raised - almost three hours after the last safe crossing time.
A spokesperson for Berwick Coastguard said: "Several Coastguard Rescue Officers were deployed into the water in full water rescue equipment where seven casualties were rescued from two vehicles and transferred to the refuge hut via our Res-Q Sled. They remained in the refuge hut until it was safe to exit.
"Multiple teams worked together during this incident, using well rehearsed techniques to bring it to a safe conclusion."
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