THE COMMUNITY has rallied around a fundraiser for a mountain rescue volunteer who was injured on a mission above Kirkstone Pass.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue lifesaver Chris Lewis, 60, fell 150 metres from Red Screes on February 6.

Chris and colleagues were aiding a wild camper who feared he was having a heart attack.  

Chris suffered spinal injuries and it is feared he will never walk again.

The Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association has launched a fundraiser for Chris on Just Giving as they believe Chris’s injuries mean he will need support for the rest of his life.

Richard Warren, chair of LDSAMRA was pleased to see the surge in support. Just hours into the fundraiser’s first day, it had gained £156,437 and as The Cumberland News went to press, has surpassed £695,000.

“The messages of sympathy will be very comforting for him and his family,” Mr Warren said.
The nature of the call-out has provoked a strong reaction from the public. Mr Warren said: “I think it’s created a lot of frustration and anger within the community.

"Mountain rescuers are shocked and disappointed that it happened with people that were blatantly breaking the lockdown rules but equally, it’s very important for us as volunteers to remember what our position is in the community. We’re here to help anybody that needs it in extreme situations.”

Chris' wife has spoken of the support he is receiving: "The outpouring of support has been tremendous. It’s a difficult time for all of the family and friends, and we ask that everyone allows us to come to terms with the incident.”