On Wednesday 18 August 2021, whilst we were walking along the banks of the river Allen, our dear friend and walking group leader, Martin Levinson, incurred a horrific fall when the earth beneath his feet suddenly gave way. His head hit a boulder and he was knocked unconscious, sustaining significant injuries. 

Mountain Rescue Teams from both the Northumberland National Park and North of Tyne worked alongside paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service to treat, stabilise and move Martin from a very awkward location down by the river. The Great North Air Ambulance Service was called and Martin was airlifted to the Royal Victory Infirmary in Newcastle where he spent some time in the Intensive Care and High Dependency Units.

Thankfully, Martin is now recovering at home and making excellent progress. However, without the prompt and expert attention of volunteers from the Mountain Rescue teams and the Great North Air Ambulance, the outcome could have been so very different.

Both the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Mountain Rescue teams are charitably funded relying entirely on donations to operate. 

We would like to invite you to donate whatever you can so that these wonderful organisations can continue their life-saving work. Donations will be received by Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team who will share them equally with North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Thank you so much for your support.

Brenda, Sue, Derrick, Vanessa, Bradley, Colin and Vivienne
Members of Martin's Walking Group