Back in July I raced the Scafell Pike Marathon. 

I led the race up to 11 miles and 2,500 feet before falling back a bit on the final climb to the summit. 

I started to pick back time on the descent when I tripped. I smashed my head open on a rock and knocked out my front tooth. Blood started gushing out of my head. It was incredibly scary. 

Thankfully I chose the perfect spot to fall. There was an incredible group of people out for a walk to Styhead Tarn less than 10m away. They rushed to my support, used a coat to stem the bleeding, held my hand, kept me warm and my spirits up.

Keswick Mountain rescue were soon on the scene in force. 14 members of the team made there way up the fell to help me. I was given a thorough assessment andbandaged up. There was the offer of the stretcher but I felt ok so I walked off the mountain, surrounded by members of the team, who watched my every step. My dad drove me to A&E to get stitched up and I was back running within 2 weeks!

I was truly humbled by the compassion and humanity shown by people out on the mountain and mightly impressedvby the professionalism and speed of response from the mountain rescue. 

Before this happened I was aware of the Mountain Rescue but never thought I'd have to use them... I did and they got me out of a potentially very dangerous situation. 

I now know that the Mountain Rescue is a voluntary organisation. They are entirely reliant on donations to provide the invaluable service they do to all of us who enjoy the fells.

On my 30th Birthday I am going to run up 30 Wainwrights in a single day with my friends. If you would like to show your support, please consider making a small donation to the mountain rescue.

See you on the fells

Rich