A GROUP of teenage hill walkers averted a possible tragedy in the Mournes when they followed the guidelines of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to help a companion who took ill.

The four girls – Saskia Hedley, Sally Creighton, Vicky Graham and Nicola Hazlett, all 18 years old and students of the Collegiate School – were on a four-day camping expedition in the Mourne Mountains to gain their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award when Saskia took ill on the second day as they were climbing peaks.

With pain gripping her, Saskia’s three companions quickly realised the seriouness of the situoation and put into practice the mountain rescue drill they had been taught.

Vicki stayed behind with Saskia, and the other two girls went down the mountain to raise the alarm and contact the mountain rescue team.

When Saskia was brought down, a quick examination by a local doctor soon established that she was suffering from appendicitis. She was rushed to hospital and admitted to theatre within hours.

Sally explained that just after 2.30pm, Saskia complained of pains in her side. Sally continued: “But she was in such severe pain with sharp, shooting jags of pain that she collapsed. She was in constant pain and we became very worried.”

Saskia was released from hospital after a few days and is now recovering from her appendix operation at home.