A RADCLIFFE runner fell 500 feet while trying to help a walker in the Lake District and walked away.

Scott Baxter, aged 39, from Whitefield is a member of Radcliffe Athletics Club, he was winter climbing with a friend on the Helvellyn headwall. 

Mr Baxter noticed a walker had fallen near to Swirral Edge and went to help.

Unfortunately, Mr Baxter slipped and fell 150m.

Mr Baxter, an experienced climber and fell runner, suffered broken ribs and bruising, as well as some injuries to his legs but was able to walk away from where he landed.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called to help at about 3.50pm on Friday.

A spokesman for the team said: "The climber had suffered serious chest injuries, but with his companion made his way back over the ridge to descend to Swirls.

"As they made their way down, he began to feel seriously ill.

“His companion raised the alarm, and the Keswick team were mobile in 12 minutes.

“The assistance of an air ambulance was sought, and also a winching helicopter from the Coastguard in case the casualty could not be reached by the first aircraft.

“Helimed 58, the Great North Air Ambulance, dropped off their paramedic and doctor close to the scene, and then flew down to Swirls car park where they airlifted four team members to assist.

“To everyone’s surprise, the casualty was able to walk to the aircraft with some support — a very lucky man.”

Mr Baxter was airlifted to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle by the air ambulance and the Coastguard helicopter was stood down.

The three-hour rescue involved 20 volunteers from the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.