News Beat
Teenagers praised after guiding people off Striding Edge
15-year old Rowan Kay, from Settle, and his friend, Caelan Blades, 16, were climbing Helvellyn two weeks ago and were on their way down Striding Edge – classed as a grade one scramble, when they came across the group, one of who had suffered a panic attack.
Despite conditions at the time requiring ‘technical kit’, the group were ill-prepared, wearing trainers, and without gloves or crampons.
Experienced in the outdoors, Rowan and Caelan, with the help of two others, helped the group safely back off the mountain.
Their actions prompted much praise from people on social media and at the weekend, the boys and their families were invited to the base of Patterdale Mountain Rescue.
A spokesperson for Patterdale Mountain Rescue said: “This was an opportunity to meet the two boys who recently alongside two other bystanders rescued five folk plus a dog from Striding Edge on a blue sky, full winter conditions day, where technical winter kit was necessary.
“It was great to meet up with them, give them a tour of base, chat to them about what mountain rescue volunteers do, look at our equipment and even try the new Hypershell legs.
“Helping the people off the mountain was a kind thing to do – they showed some strong mountain skills along with maturity. We did discuss with the boys, that when seeing people in trouble mountain rescue are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to rescue those in need. The team have the appropriate equipment and experience needed to get out in all conditions.”
The spokesperson added: (It was) great to see two young people, with appropriate knowledge in the outdoors, wanting to develop their skills and experience, they could be the mountain rescuers of the future.”
