A couple who were climbing up a mountain in the Lake District saw their romantic walk end in a five-hour rescue mission – on their SECOND date.
The unnamed couple had planned to go up Sharp Edge on Blencathra on Saturday (Nov 21) afternoon but decided to turn back due to slippery conditions.
But while they were making their swift descent, the man slipped and tumbled down nearly 200 feet before landing on a ledge.
His date was then left trapped on the crag as she was unable to go up or down.
The couple, in their 40s, were brought to safety following a five-hour rescue operation involving 25 volunteers from the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
The man was then rushed by helicopter to Glasgow hospital where he is being treated for his injuries while the woman was uninjured.
But despite the dramatic events, a third date is already in the works.
A spokesperson for the rescue team said: “A couple on their second date decided to climb Sharp Edge on Blencathra.
“In slippery conditions part way along they wisely opted out of continuing along the ridge, but unfortunately tried to descend from the ridge down towards Scales Tarn.
“The man slipped and fell from part way down.
“Instinctively he put his arms out to try to avoid tumbling and ended up sliding fast and bumping down the steep rocky slope until he came to rest on a ledge some 60m further down.
“His partner was then stuck on the crag unable to go up or down.
“Apparently, despite the drama of their second date a third one has already been discussed.”
Due to the adverse conditions, helicopter support was unable to reach the scene so a team of 25 volunteers from the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team split into two groups to save the couple.
Rescuers said because the man tried not to tumble he ended up “sliding fast” until he fell on a ledge.
A passer-by also helped the man and gave him extra clothing to keep him warm while they waited for the rescuers to arrive.
The spokesperson added: “Many thanks to the passer-by who had gone to the man’s assistance and given him extra clothing to wear whilst waiting for the rescue team, the man’s torch light was very useful to locate the casualty.
“On arrival a group shelter was used to protect the casualty against the increasingly inclement weather.
“The man’s successful attempts to not tumble, thereby avoiding potentially more serious injuries, meant that all the impact had been on his lower back, ribs and leg.”
