Mountain rescue team member saved by 40 colleagues after serious fall

40 colleagues from three different teams were involved in the rescue Credit: Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team

A member of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team had to be saved by a team of 40 colleagues after falling and suffering serious injuries on Monday evening.

Mountaineer Ed Docwra fell above Blea Water in the Lake District while out with Graham Uney, a member of Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team, who were reportedly both well prepared.

In a post on Facebook, Graham wrote that Ed was leading a pitch when he fell, sustaining major injuries including broken ribs, scapular, and damage to one of his vertebra.

The rescue lasted for several hours, involving 40 mountain rescuers from Patterdale, Penrith, and Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team, the air ambulance and the Coastguard helicopter.

Ed was flown to Newcastle, where he is said to have already started making a quick recovery.

The Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Leader praised those involved with the rescue and asked people not to criticise the two climbers: