The woman injured herself on Striding Edge. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A rescue helicopter was called in to airlift an injured walker from a Lake District fell after her condition deteriorated as she was being stretchered to safety.

The 24-year-old woman injured her ankle while tackling Striding Edge on Helvellyn on Friday.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 3.30pm to help the woman, who could no longer walk.

A Patterdale MRT spokesperson said: “The team ascended Striding Edge from Grisedale Valley and treated her for a suspected Achilles’ injury.

“As the team stretchered her from the fell, her blood glucose levels dropped considerably, due to her diabetes. The team then treated her diabetes but due to her condition a decision was made to request an aircraft to speed up the transfer time of getting her to hospital.

“As the light was fading a Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick was scrambled and intercepted the rescue team as they were evacuating the casualty.”

The walker was then flown to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

The spokesperson added: “Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team would like to thank the assistance provided by colleagues in Penrith Mountain Rescue Team, the air ambulance air desk, Cumbria Police and the crew of Rescue 999 for all their help in this long and protracted rescue.”