Scafell Pike: Praise for San Bernardo Mountain Rescuers


Daisy on a stretcher surrounded by rescuersImage copyright
Wasdale MRT

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The operation lasted five hours, with rescuers carrying Daisy on a stretcher.

The owner of an 8th 9 pound (55kg) San Bernardo praised mountain rescuers for taking their exhausted dog for five hours on the highest mountain in England.

It took two hours for members of the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) to help Daisy at Scafell Pike on Friday.

Owner Su Hall said the 16-person team was “fantastic” for helping Daisy, who was too tired to walk.

After several hours, the team reached the foot of the hill just before the weather worsened.

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Daisy is back home in Lincolnshire with her owners Su and Jason Hall after their adventure in the Lake District.


St Bernards traditionally carries out missions of mercy – they were originally bred to rescue people in the Italian and Swiss Alps.

Mrs. Hall, who returned to her Lincolnshire home after the family’s trip to the Lake District, said: “She was doing what she is doing now. Lying down, but very calm because she wanted a nap.”

“However, the time was advancing and thinking that the climate could change, we thought that it was better to call the rescue service.”

Friday’s operation, which involved 16 members of the MRT, took five hours as rescuers carried Daisy on a stretcher over obstacles, including a waterfall.

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The Hall family

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The Hall family and Daisy took a selfie on top of the mountain just before realizing they needed help.

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BBC Sport

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Daisy has fully recovered at home

Richard Warren, who has been a volunteer for 36 years, said: “The team rescues canine victims about a dozen times a year, but this was the first time that the team rescued a St Bernard breed.”

“Daisy is a four year old female, but she is still a huge dog, 55kgs (8st 9lb). She was exhausted, but a fantastic dog.

“Some might ask, ‘Why rescue a dog?’ but our mission is to save lives and alleviate anguish. You can’t leave a dog on the mountain. “

Ms. Hall added: “It was a beautiful rescue. Daisy looked so comfortable, the team was fantastic and very empathetic. There are not enough words to thank them.”

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Wasdale MRT

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Obstacles that had to be negotiated included a waterfall

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Wasdale MRT

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The rescue involved 16 team members and took five hours.


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