A TERRIFYING ordeal that left a woman in the hospital, has led to overwhelming support for a mountain rescue team.

Last Monday, twins Chris and Susanne Hall had been out bouldering, when the summer evening to take a dangerous - and painful - turn.

Bouldering is a style of rock climbing on small rock formations, known as boulders, without the use of ropes or harnesses.

The adventurous siblings had spent a couple of hours climbing and were almost ready to head home, when 20-year-old Susanne slipped and fell down the crag at Armathwaite.

Panicking, her brother was forced to leave her and find a signal to call for help.

Susanne, of Applewood Close, Botcherby, admits at this point, while sick and dizzy from the pain, she had no idea how badly injured she was.

“It was so painful,” she recalled. “I knew I needed to get something cold on my ankle; I had spotted the water and put my leg in there. I still thought I would be fine.”

Chris managed to call for help and was desperate to get back to his sister, but was forced to wait by the roadside to direct the ambulance.

In desperation he grabbed a passer by, who turned out to be the perfect Samaritan.

Susanne continued: “Chris phoned for help, but stopped someone in the street to direct the ambulance.

“It turned out the person he stopped was from mountain rescue and said he would call for help, because the ambulance wouldn’t be able to reach the location.

“The next thing I knew the first responder had arrived and was giving me pain relief and checking me over.

“Penrith Mountain Rescue then arrived and they were amazing, they talked me through what they would have to do.”

It took 18 volunteers to make her safe and then winch her up the crag to safety. She was treated at the Cumberland Infirmary, in Carlisle, for a fractured talus.

Since the incident, Chris has shown an interest in becoming a volunteer for the team and the whole family feel they should give something back.

Susanne added: “If it wasn’t for them I would still be down there. They do all this work for free and they need as much support as they can get, so my family are trying to raise some money to give back.”

The twins’ mum Carol issued her own plea to people to think of donating to the mountain rescue team: “These guys not only got her out, but did so with cheer and great compassion. Mountain rescue is a vital part of life here, please consider supporting them.”

A spokesman for Penrith MRT said: “A big thank you everyone who has supported and donated.

“We wish Susanne all the best and a speedy recovery. Without the generosity and support of the public, our team wouldn’t be able to operate, so thank you again for your kindness.”