A woman who lost her eye in a freak accident on the Lake District fells has thanked the “amazing” air ambulance and mountain rescue team for their help.
Jackie Summers, 54, from Cockermouth, was out walking with her friend and their two dogs at Loweswater Fell when her dog’s lead broke free, causing it to retract back and then clip onto her eyeball.
The mother-of-one fell to the ground but was initially unsure of what had happened, when the incident unfolded on July 25th this year.
Her friend, Jane Stephenson Lee, called emergency services and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team sprang into action.
Jackie, a childminder, said: “I sat with Jane’s jumper over my eye and took deep breaths until help arrived. I think everyone was surprised at how calm I was but I felt so reassured.”
GNAAS doctor, Amy Gospel, and paramedic, Terry Sharpe, were first at the scene on the day and Jackie has since met the pair to personally thank them.
She said: “They talked me through everything they were going to do in great detail and I felt in very safe hands. It’s been amazing to meet them again.”
The mountain rescue team then stretchered her to the awaiting aircraft and she was flown to the Royal Preston Hospital in 15 minutes. She underwent surgery and spent two days in hospital.
She said: “The speed in which I was treated and flown to hospital was very impressive and I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone.”
Jackie who now wears a prosthetic eye remains positive after the accident. She said: “It’s just one of those things and you have to get on with it. There are a lot more people worse off than me.”
Paramedic Terry Sharpe, said: “Jackie was a brilliant patient to deal with and she has not let this change her life in anyway and for that, she has to be admired. It has been fantastic to see her again and we’re just pleased we were able to help.”
Jackie has already planned a sponsored walk for local childminders and 25 children around Cockermouth on November 3. The money raised will be split between both charities.
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