Hillwalker breaks neck in 50ft plunge

A hillwalker suffered a broken neck after falling 50–feet down a hillside near Crianlarich

Magdalena Michalowska had been walking with pal Wojciech Turek when she plunged down Stob Garbh, leaving her battered and bruised.

But the bloodied 41 year old believed she had escaped serious injury.

It was only when she was airlifted to hospital that she discovered the true extent of her injuries.

She suffered a fractured cheek, broken ankle and bruising in addition to the serious neck injury.

The incident happened at around 3pm on Saturday. The woman and a friend had walked to Cruach Ardrain and had been descending when she slipped.

Volunteers from Killin Mountain Rescue Team were dispatched to attend to the woman and the Coastguard helicopter was sent to fly her to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow.

Following the traumatic event, Ms Michalowska told of her relief to survive the fall.

Her friend, Wojciech Turek took to social media to thank rescuers.

He said: “Thank you for your efforts. I hope this never happens again. The rescue team did a great job as well as the helicopter team.

“Magda is recovering now safely in hospital.”

Bill Rose of Killin MRT, said: “They were coming down and it’s quite steep and she just slipped and fell.

“It was pretty misty where she was at the time and we called the helicopter in, but that took quite a while because of the location and weather. “She has been very lucky. “The major cause of accidents is from people slipping and it’s usually on the way down from a climb and the weather often contributes to it.” ●Balfron’s new play park facilities are to be officially launched tomorrow (Saturday).

The launch event takes place at Donaldson Park at 11.30am.

Free ice cream will be on offer until supplies run out.

●Last week’s Butcher Boy was on page 15 and was spotted by Agnes McQueen, 1 Buchanan Crescent, Croftamie.

Agnes has won £20 worth of quality butcher meat from Falleninch Farm Butchers, Dumbarton Road, Stirling.