Rescuers splint the walker's leg on the Border Ridge. Photo: BSARU

A sponsored walker’s attempt to traverse the full length of the Pennine Way ended just a few miles into his challenge when he injured his ankle.

The man set off from Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders on Saturday evening on a charity fundraiser.

His intention was to cover the 268 miles of the national trail in a fortnight, but he had to abandon his walk after injuring himself on the Cheviots.

Border Search and Rescue Unit, which went to his aid, said he made good early progress and was about a mile past the high point at Windy Gyle when he rolled an ankle on uneven ground. Aware of an audible crack from the injured ankle, and finding himself unable to bear weight on that side, he set about making himself safe as night set in.

A team spokesperson said: “BSARU made their way onto the hill from Kelsocleugh Farm in two Land Rovers and managed to get the vehicles all the way to the casualty site after some tricky driving on steep, wet and muddy terrain. This was a big bonus as it eliminated the need for a lengthy stretcher carry and allowed for a quick evacuation once Theo’s condition had been stabilised, he’d had pain-relief and the ankle had been splinted.”

Border Search and Rescue Unit volunteer Damon Rodwell said: “The injury was caused by an accident that can happen to anyone.

“Just about anyone who spends time in the hills will have rolled an ankle at some point. If it happens when you’re carrying a heavy pack – and Theo was well-equipped for a couple of weeks on the trail – it can very easily result in a serious sprain or a broken bone. As soon as he knew he was in trouble, he did exactly the right thing. He called 999, asked for police, mountain rescue, erected his tent, and made himself as comfortable as possible.

“We found him warm, relatively comfortable and in good spirits. He’s clearly a fit, capable and organised guy, and we wish him well in his recovery.”

The rescue was mounted from the new BSARU base in Kelso, which was built after several years of concentrated fundraising by the team’s members and supporters.

Fancy tackling the Pennine Way? Read my experiences of completing the challenge from South to North.