Each year I mark my dad's anniversary and celebrate his birthday (both in March) by fundraising for Mountain Rescue. Not being able to take part in any organised events or climb any hills this year means coming up with something else... so every day for the month of March, Callie is going to climb all the stairs in our close (which will be enough of a challenge for her little legs).

Anyone who knows me already knows how I feel about the volunteers of rescue teams and why fundraising for them is so close to my heart. This year I've chosen to also (hopefully) raise some money for the Chris Lewis Fund. Chris Lewis an experienced member of Patterdale Mount Rescue, who tragically suffered severe, life-changing injuries while selflessly helping on a rescue operation.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story.  There is more of Chris' story below...

In the early hours of 6 February, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out to assist someone camping on Red Screes above Kirkstone Pass.Whilst the Team was making its way to the casualty, Chris Lewis, an experienced team member, fell 150 metres down a steep slope, sustaining life-changing injuries. Chris was given immediate medical attention by fellow team members and airlifted to hospital where he remains in a serious condition. The original casualty was taken to hospital where he quickly recovered. The casualty and his companion had travelled from outside Cumbria and were fined for contravening Covid travel restrictions.Chris is one of 40 volunteers in Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, from all walks of life and a wide range of ages. The Team typically responds to approximately 70 incidents a year, usually, but not always, with less tragic consequences. The severity of Chris's injuries cannot be overstated and he will need significant support for the rest of his life.