Fall down rock face inspires helipad appeal film screening

The 26-year-old outdoors enthusiast suffered her fall on Stanage Edge, and needed to be airlifted to the Northern General Hospital to undergo treatment for her injuries.

“After I started coming round to understanding what had happened the mountain rescue teams were fully on top of the situation and had everything in control,” she said.

“All the climbers in the area that day came together to help form a human chain and started passing me down in the stretcher to the helicopter. Luckily my injuries weren’t life-threatening, but had they been the air ambulance could have saved my life.”

Dionne, who lives in Litton in the Peaks, works for Tideswell climbing equipment maker Wild Country, which is co-hosting a special event along with the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival.

The film screening, at the Showroom on March 12, will raise money for the appeal to pay for a new helipad at the Northern General. Climbing writer Niall Grimes will introduce a showing of A Brief History of Friends, and a Q&A with Mark Vallance, founder of Wild Country. Mark’s firm launched a protection device called the Friend, which enables climbers to try new routes on rock faces. Funds will also be raised from the suggested £1 donation with every festival ticket sold.

Festival director Matt Heason said: “The city is a magnet for adventure sports athletes, but the reality is that accidents happen and the rapid response that a helicopter ambulance would offer could be potentially lifesaving.”

Visit www.shaff.co.uk for more information.