A fund set up for Patterdale mountain rescuer Chris Lewis, who sustained life-changing injuries in a 150ft fall during a callout, has reached almost £840,000.
The news comes as Patterdale mountain rescue team confirmed he is expected to remain in hospital “for the foreseeable future”.
The 60-year-old was seriously injured a month ago when the team was called to assist a man from the Liverpool area, who was camping on Red Screes, near Kirkstone Pass.
The man and his companion were both fined for breaching lockdown rules following the incident.
The response to Mr Lewis’s plight was overwhelming and the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association set up a JustGiving fund to centralise all the contributions which were being made by the public to help him and his family adapt to his injuries.
A spokesman for the Patterdale team said: “Chris has been transferred back to ITU following a short period of time in high dependency. He is expected to remain in hospital for the foreseeable future.”
The JustGiving page has a total of £839,437, raised by 37,714 supporters.
Among the latest fundraising efforts for Chris is that of Michelle Fisher, of Crosby Ravensworth, and her aunt, Kitty Smith.
The pair have thrown their support behind the campaign and have organised a fundraising raffle to win a hamper.
The hamper includes items such as a voucher for the Butchers Arms pub in Crosby Ravensworth, some handmade Patterdale mountain rescue team cupcakes and goods from Kitty’s Preserves.
The pair have already sold 135 out of 200 numbers available in the draw and along with further donations are hoping to raise around £800 for the support fund. Tickets are available through Michelle’s Facebook page.
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Chris-Lewis-Support-Fund-LDSAMRA-Patterdale-MRT
