Thanks to Good Samaritans for help after breaking ankle

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the people who helped me when I slipped near the top of Beinn Lora on Friday June 1 and badly fractured my ankle.

I had gone walking with my two boys, aged seven and 14, to admire the glorious views on a beautiful day, so when a simple slip resulted in a very obviously badly broken ankle, we were quickly in a very difficult position.

Just as quickly a local walker, Rob McCallum, responded to my shouts, staying with me and the two boys and helping keep us all calm. Kirsty and Peter from Oban police arrived and were equally caring and reassuring.

Unfortunately, it was a busy Friday so mustering the mountain rescue team proved challenging but eventually a helicopter from Stornoway search and rescue with Mark and Josh aboard arrived and, with great care, skill and humour got me and the boys safely in the helicopter and down to Glasgow.

I underwent reduction of the complete dislocation that evening and pinning and plating of the fracture the next morning and will be off work for around four months.

I cannot express how much the kindness of these strangers meant to me.

As a medical professional, I know they all considered it just part of the job, but it is so important that we don’t lose sight of the value of simple human compassion, displayed in bundles by each of them.

Particular thanks to Rob and his wife Kate, whose reassuring presence got me through the first hour.

I’m looking forward to getting back to Oban and the hills later in the year and, although I’ll be nervous, I’ll remember the advice from Josh on the helicopter not to let this simple accident stop me getting back up there. Jillian Connor DM MRCOG, Consultant obstetrician, University Hospitals Southampton.