A RYDE man cheated death after falling 50ft during a five-day climbing expedition in Scotland.
Stuart Byrnes, 23, was left with just a few cuts and bruises and a sprained wrist after falling in Aonach Eagach, which is known as being Britain’s narrowest ridge.
Stuart, of Ashey Road, was 400ft from the ground last Saturday when he slipped on grass and fell 10ft on to a rock, then bounced a further 40ft before landing on a ledge.
"At first I was in shock because I was trying to work out what happened and then it dawned on me how lucky I was to still be alive," said Stuart, a sales assistant at Carphone Warehouse.
Stuart’s foot gave way on grass after he and a friend came across a footpath, which led to an opening in the ridge, where they found a waterfall.
"We didn’t have any ropes, because it was not a requirement to use them, but in hindsight maybe it would have been a good idea," said Stuart.
The mountain rescue team arrived within 40 minutes of Stuart’s fall, after his friend used a mobile phone to contact them.
Stuart was strapped to a stretcher in a neck brace and padding was used to keep his body still while he was lowered to safety, before being taken to hospital.
"My head was really hurting and I felt bruised all over but, considering what could have happened, I can’t really complain," said Stuart. He plans to go climbing again as soon as he recovers.
Reporter: mattw@iwpcmail.co.uk