A grateful walker has joined forces with her local pub and theatre group to raise nearly £630 for Keswick Mountain Rescue Team which came to her aid like the cavalry earlier this year.
When Maria Wright, from Lazonby, fell while walking in Crow Park, the team swooped into action and tended to her badly broken ankle before the arrival of an ambulance.
Maria and her husband Tim, who are leading members of Eden Valley Players, were walking their dog when she slipped on a muddy stretch of grass.
A helpful bystander alerted an ambulance, but as Maria prepared for a lengthy wait, a passing member of Keswick mountain rescue team who was carrying out some work at their headquarters nearby, came to her aid.
Maria said: “We were just about to have a last throw of the ball for the dog when I slipped on the mud. The pain was excruciating. I immediately knew I had broken a bone.
“A lovely couple came to our aid and one of them called for an ambulance, but we were told it would take up to two hours.
“At that point a member of the mountain rescue team passed us and he quickly alerted some of his colleagues who happened to be at their depot across the way. They came hurrying over the hill like the cavalry. I couldn’t believe how they went into action.
“I was given some painkillers and one of the team, who was a doctor, re-set my ankle and carried me to the ambulance which took me to hospital.”
She was determined to show her appreciation to Keswick MRT and, with the support of her local, the Midland Hotel, in Lazonby, a successful fundraising night raised £626.40 which was handed over to John Huntson, treasurer of Keswick MRT, on Tuesday.
John said: “Our organisation operates without any government funds. Donations like this are vital and we are very grateful.”
Maria added: “I cannot thank Keswick MRT enough for what they did for me. It really brings home the fantastic work these volunteers do. We should not take them for granted.”
Midland Hotel provided the buffet and the meat raffle, while Eden Valley Players provided the DJ.
Publicans Lianne and Darren Farrell said they were happy to host the event which was so well supported by customers. Darren said: “We want to thank everyone who took part and helped raise funds for such a worthwhile cause.”
