Be practical: Resuce required for pregnant woman in heels

3:28pm Thursday 6th November 2003

Mountain rescue teams have criticised tourists for going into the fells unprepared after a diabetic woman wearing three-inch high heels had to be rescued.

The 25-year-old woman and her 26-year-old partner from Preston also set off without any maps, compasses or waterproofs, and had not told anyone their intended route.

The woman was also three months pregnant and had not taken along any medication for her diabetes.

They were caught out in a rainstorm in the Langdales and had to be rescued from Silver Howe at 2.40pm on Sunday where they were found “very cold and wet.” Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team leader Nick Verrall said: “This couple were appallingly dressed. The female had three-inch heeled shoes and the gentleman had town shoes. Both were in jeans and had no waterproofs and little knowledge of the fells.” Mr Verrall said the couple were using a book as a reference, were two kilometres from where they said they were and were “spoken to” after they were found.

“We have no doubt this couple were very lucky and would not have made it through the night,” he said. Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team spent four-and-half hours looking for the pair and an RAF helicopter was called in from Kinloss, Scotland, with five ground crew.

LAMRT said visitors should always be aware that weather conditions in the fells can suddenly change from dry to torrential rain, snow or fog.

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