logo
Near-fatal moment woman, 80, is 'feet from death' on Wales' highest mountain

Near-fatal moment woman, 80, is 'feet from death' on Wales' highest mountain

A harrowing tale of an 80-year-old woman stranded on Wales' tallest peak, Yr Wyddfa, commonly called Snowdon, featured in tonight's SOS: Extreme Rescues.
Josie and her spouse Trevor had scaled Snowdon twice annually for numerous years, before encountering one life-threatening ordeal.
In tonight's instalment of the BBC show, entitled Hidden Dangers, Josie and Trevor recounted their experience and the perils she encountered.
A spine-chilling recording of her emergency call to Mountain Rescue was broadcast, where she states: "I'm on Snowdon and I'm stuck. I must have come off the track, and I got lost."
"I've cut the side of my head but it's only bleeding a bit," she adds.
"I'm starting to shiver now, I'm nearly 80," reports Wales Online.
Emergency teams were deployed to locate Josie in her "perilous" situation, positioned at a cliff's edge, and over 100 metres from any pathway.
"We struggled to find her on our first attempt," one rescuer revealed.
Meanwhile, Josie's husband shared his fears that she had "gone over the edge".
He had commenced the trek with Josie, but following "horrendous" conditions, chose he wished to retreat.
"I said, 'It's too dangerous'," he recalled, revealing Josie's determination to carry on.
"She doesn't like not achieving what she wants to do, she's got her own mind."
Trevor opted to await Josie but found himself waiting two and a half hours later, and lacking a mobile phone, returned to the mountain's base seeking assistance.
"I was really scared, to be honest, because I know Snowdon's a dangerous place," he said.
Over four-and-a-half hours after her emergency call, Josie was eventually located.
"I just thought, 'what have I done?'" she remembered. "I thought nobody would find me, nobody."
Josie explained that she tried to follow some people down the mountain, but the weather conditions made it difficult and she lost her way while trying to locate the path.
"I stopped and looked down and thought, good God, it's nearly 3,000 feet down there," she said.
"I thought, I'd never get back up."
Following Josie's rescue, a volunteer cautioned: "She was 10 feet from death."
"Your age is only a number, it's how you feel," she added, receiving commendation for her fitness during the climb.
Trevor managed to meet Josie at the base, leaving him immensely relieved that she was safe.
After 10 hours, Josie was finally reunited with her husband, as he confesses: "I broke down, I was that relieved."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Engine of Boeing passenger plane bursts into flames during takeoff
Engine of Boeing passenger plane bursts into flames during takeoff

Metro

time2 hours ago

  • Metro

Engine of Boeing passenger plane bursts into flames during takeoff

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A Delta aircraft was forced to turn around straight after take-off when one of its engines caught fire. Video footage of the Boeing 767 taking to the skies showed flames burst out of a left engine. The flight on Friday morning, which was bound for Atlanta in Georgia, circled and returned safely to Los Angeles airport. Once on the ground, emergency services attended to the diverted aircraft and safely put out the blaze. The jet involved was 24 and a half years old and was first delivered to the airline in November 2000. According to one passenger who was travelling on the plane, the flight was more than one hour late leaving LAX due to maintenance issues. Mother-of-three Constance Bingham Smith said the incident was 'the scariest flight situation I've ever been in'. She added: 'Glad to be safe in LA with kiddos and must have a purpose in staying, but will replay this ordeal in my head for quite some time.' Another passenger on the flight said that everyone stayed calm during the incident despite 'internal panic'. She wrote: 'I couldn't see the smoke or fire but some people saw it. It was really scary for those 10 minutes! Everyone remained very calm, even if we were internally panicking. Very thankful to be on land now!' More Trending Another respondent posted that their daughter and her husband were on the flight, but had no idea that the engine had ignited until they were safely on the tarmac. He said: 'The flight crew was exceptional and clam the whole time. Kudos to all of them for the safe return of all on board.' Engine fires can be a result of several factors, including fuel leaks, ingestion of foreign objects such as debris or birds, and disruptions to airflow. A spokesperson for the airline told the BBC: 'Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft's left engine.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Mystery illness outbreak sweeps through Royal Caribbean cruise and leaves 134 sick MORE: Vehicle crashes into Los Angeles crowd leaving 7 people fighting for life MORE: British Airways business class review: I 'turned left' for the first time — here's what nobody tells you

Kirsty Wark asked me to fetch her a cup of tea and a Penguin biscuit
Kirsty Wark asked me to fetch her a cup of tea and a Penguin biscuit

The Herald Scotland

time8 hours ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Kirsty Wark asked me to fetch her a cup of tea and a Penguin biscuit

Certainly, she can appear regal to the journalistic peasantry. I remember a packed press conference where she breenged in with her crew. Suddenly we – self-important, like everyone in our trade – all felt like minions. She asked me to fetch her a cup of tea and a Penguin biscuit ('one with a green wrapper'). Wow. What ingredients went into creating such an imperious personage? Well, being born was a useful start. This auspicious event occurred on 3 February 1955 in Dumfries. Kirsty's father, who earned a Military Cross for heroism at Normandy, was a solicitor. A convivial raconteur, he also liked spending time on his own fly-fishing. 'I'm sure he was reflecting on the horrors of war, ' Kirsty told the I newspaper recently. Her mother was a teacher who, after one early Newsnight interview, phoned to complain that she'd split an infinitive. Poor Kirsty must have been tempted to tell her mother where to boldly go. She spent her early years in Castle Douglas before moving to Kilmarnock. After attending all-girl, 'independent' Wellington School in Ayr, she studied history, specifically Scottish Studies, at Embra Yoonie. In 1976, aged 21, Wark joined the BBC as a graduate researcher and soon became a producer for Radio Scotland, displaying enthusiasm and a willingness to make things happen. Wish I'd tried that. (Image: Jamie Simpson) BOXING CLEVER WARK switched to television in 1982, producing Reporting Scotland, Agenda and Current Account. She then moved into presenting various Scottish political programmes before moving to UK network television as part of the Breakfast Time brigade. In 1988, she reported on the Lockerbie bombing and, in 1990, made her mark as an interviewer when she confronted, so to say, Margaret Thatcher. The Iron Lady was incensed with her abrasive questions about the poll tax, and complained afterwards that she'd 'interrupted me more than I've ever been interrupted'. Later, it emerged that Wark had just learned she was pregnant with her first baby, and so was determined to remain 'preternaturally calm' for both their sakes. In 1993, she joined Newsnight, BBC 2's mumphing aboot politics show, in a role that was to last three decades. She stood down last summer, a week after the General Election. In her time, she has faced accusations of being too close to Labour. Donald Dewar, former Labour First Minister and a close friend, appointed her to a panel choosing the design for the new Scottish Parliament – with hilarious consequences! Later, the independent production company she co-owned was an awarded a BBC contract to make programmes about … construction of the Scottish Parliament building. Whoopsie. In 2005, she invited another Labour First Minister and long-time friend, Jack McConnell, now Lord McConnell of Proletariat, and his family to stay at her Majorcan holiday home over New Year. Doubt was cast on Wark's neutrality and suitability to anchor political programmes, with respected quality newspaper the Daily Mail dubbing the episode 'Villagate'. Importantly, it added that she had a 'big, almost masculine voice that belies a worked-on slim figure and good legs often hidden by trousers'. Trousers, ye say? However, several observers considered the 'scandal' overblown, with Newsnight's editor pointing out that many media peeps had old pals who went on to hold office. 'The important issue is your ability to ask tough questions and that is not a problem with Kirsty Wark …' READ MORE Rab McNeil: Get your Boots on, we're going shopping for unicorn hair gel Rab McNeil: No wonder the whole Scottish nation loves Nicola (no, not that one) Scottish Icons: William McGonagall - The poet who right bad verses wrote still floats some folk's vessel or boat Scottish Icons: There is a lot of tripe talked about haggis – so here's the truth ECK OF AN ATTITUDE ALEX Salmond was a problem for Kirsty Wark. In 2007, after an interview with then First Mniister, the BBC received 120 complaints from entirely disinterested individuals, and issued a public apology regretting Wark's 'rude and dismissive' tone. In 2020, after she presented a programme about Salmond's sexual assault trial – in which he was acquitted – more than 900 complaints of bias were made. Wark responded: 'Alex Salmond was found innocent, not guilty, there is no disputing that in any way. What we were doing was giving background to the whole thing, and we did that fairly.' Politically, she has described herself as 'soft left', with pals in all parties. Late Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy called her a 'fierce foe when the studio lights go on, great fun in the bar'. Late Labour MP Robin Cook MP said at least she let folk answer the question, 'unlike those from the Paxman and Humphrys school'. She herself describes her approach as 'forensic' – certainly leaves blood on the floor sometimes – and contends that she's professional enough to 'leave my own views at the door when I come to work'. Forby politics, she's right arty and, indeed, has written two novels. She presented BBC Two's Late Show from 1990 to 1993 and, in 2006, interviewed playwright Harold Pinter, resisting the temptation to get back at the old scrote by leaving long silences. She made cameo appearances in Doctor Who and Absolutely Fabulous. In 2013, she appeared on the inexplicably popular Great British Bake Off, but has resisted 'many times' invitations to do Strictly Come Dancing, another programme that has sapped the nation's morale. More consequentially, she has highlighted problems of the menopause, believing people are reluctant to discuss it. Moving swiftly on, two months ago she bagged a BAFTA Fellowship, with BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip praising her 'enormous charm and wit'. GA-GA FOR RADIO ALWAYS based in Glasgow, Wark has lately been appearing in BBC Scotland's Good For Her, in a running sketch that follows a woman who can't stop speaking as if she's delivering the news. Kirsty Wark misses the buzz of Newsnight, but is content for the moment presenting arts magazine show Front Row and history series The Reunion on BBC Radio 4. She likes claes and, in 2013, was deemed one of the 50 best-dressed over-50s by fashion magazine, the Guardian. In other news, we can reveal she loves gardening and homemade jam, having spent several years in recovery from an addiction to banana cake. Meanwhile, in the interests of truth, that currently under-rated concept in which she takes such a great interest, I should clarify that, at the start of this authoritative exposé, I was only joking about the cup of tea and a Penguin. It was a Twix.

'Much-loved' Brit teacher trampled to death by elephant on safari identified
'Much-loved' Brit teacher trampled to death by elephant on safari identified

Daily Record

time14 hours ago

  • Daily Record

'Much-loved' Brit teacher trampled to death by elephant on safari identified

Former chemistry teacher Janet Easton, 68, was tragically killed alongside another tourist during an African safari. A school has paid a touching tribute to a British tourist who was crushed to death by an elephant on a safari. ‌ Janet Easton, 68, was fatally trampled on by a nursing elephant in Africa on July 3. Tour guides desperately tried to save her but were unable to deter the animal. ‌ The former chemistry teacher was sadly killed alongside another female tourist from New Zealand, reports the Mirror. She has been identified as Alison Taylor, 67. ‌ The pair were on a guided safari trip at the South Luangwa National Park when tragedy struck. They were walking around when the animal suddenly charged towards them at high speed. Tour workers attempted to block the animal by using firing shots but failed. Now, her former place of work, Titus Salt School in Baildon, Bradford, has paid tribute. On its website, she was described as an "intrepid traveller" and "much-loved" friend. The teacher, also known as Janice, taught at the site from September 1983 until she retired in August 2022. ‌ Headteacher Phil Temple said she was "admired" for her skills. He wrote: ' Sad news. We are sorry to hear the tragic news of the death of our friend and former colleague. Janice Easton whilst travelling in Africa. Janice started working at Titus Salt School in September 1983 and completed almost 40 years of service when she retired in August 2022. "Janice was a highly skilled Chemistry teacher and was for many years responsible for transition to high school. In these roles and others Janice had a profound impact on generations of pupils and students in the local community as well as countless colleagues who admired her skill, tenacity and determination to ensure all young people had the opportunity to succeed. "As well as an exemplary professional Janice was an intrepid traveller, keen photographer and much-loved friend. Janice will be fondly remembered by all in the Titus Salt School and wider communities." ‌ Local police chief Robertson Mweemba earlier told the BBC: "They were moving to other camps when the elephant charged from behind. We are really sorry that we have lost our visitors. They both died on the spot." He continued: "It is very difficult to control the animals and tourists like feeding them." The tour was operated by Expert Africa, reports The Times. Managing director Chris McIntyre, previously said: 'This was a deeply tragic and highly unusual incident in one of Africa's most remote wilderness areas. "Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the travellers involved. Our priority has been supporting the families in every way possible. We remain in close contact, doing what we can to assist them. "We are liaising closely with the local authorities, our partners on the ground and the relevant consular services to support those involved and to understand how this tragic event occurred. We will, of course, co-operate fully with any official investigations that take place.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store