Ribble Valley mum dies after Lakes rescue drama

Ailsa Gordon (49) was discovered with hypothermia in Glencoyne Beck, near Seldom Seen, Glenridding.

Around 50 people from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, North West Ambulance Service, Cumbria Fire and Rescue and the Royal Navy were involved in a rescue which lasted for more than two hours.

Mrs Gordon, who was found on Tuesday, April 1st, was airlifted to Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, in a critical condition, but died in the early hours of the following day.

Mike Blakey, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team leader, said: “At the time of the callout some team members were meeting at the rescue base and were able to respond and be on scene in less than 10 minutes.

“Further team members, many of who were on route to weekly training joined those on scene. The woman was treated initially by first responders and then a paramedic, two doctors and team members before she was evacuated by stretcher to a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter which had flown from Prestwick, Scotland.

“The helicopter then quickly transferred the woman and a mountain rescue team doctor to a specialist medical unit at Wythenshaw Hospital, Manchester.”

He added the thoughts of Patterdale Mountan Rescue Team members were with Mrs Gordon’s family.

A Cumbria Police spokeswoman said: “Police can confirm the woman who died in hospital on April 2nd was Ailsa Gordon, 49, from Clitheroe. Mrs Gordon was found in a stream at Glenridding on April 1st.

“She was transported to Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, and despite the best efforts by medical staff, she sadly died.

“The were no suspicious circumstances and the details have been passed to the coroner.”

A service of thanksgiving will be held at St James’ Church, Clitheroe, on a day to be arranged.