'He's been through hell and back' — wife says climber David Warden doing well after Ben Nevis accident
An experienced Perthshire climber who cheated death in a fall from Scotland's highest peak has been recovering in Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
- By Alan Richardson
- Published in the Courier : 22.02.12
- Published online : 22.02.12 @ 02.09pm
David Warden, from Stanley, plunged more than 1,000 feet down a gully on Ben Nevis in an accident which claimed his climbing partner's life at the weekend.
Mr Warden's wife, Lynne, maintained a bedside vigil and said her husband had been ''through hell and back''.
The father-of-two (46) remains in a ''serious condition''. His companion has not yet been named.
Ms Warden said: ''He's a lucky, lucky man but he's been through hell and back. He's still in hospital requiring treatment but he's doing okay.
''They were both competent climbers and the conditions were good. Their equipment was in good condition — it was just a tragic accident.''
She added: ''There are risks to everything and you do worry about him but safety always comes first with David — he's very cautious.
''He's been away climbing a lot of times in Europe and around Scotland and this is the first time he's had an accident.''
Mr Warden was roped to his partner and climbing down the face of Zero Gully, a popular ice route near the summit of the peak, when the accident happened at 11am on Sunday.
His calls for help were heard by another climbing party which alerted Lochaber Mountain Rescue and he was carried to safety by an RAF Sea King.
Mrs Warden said: ''It's your husband and you love him and there's nothing else to it — you just have to be there for him.''
John Stevenson, who led the mountain rescue team said: ''The weather was fine. The top of the ben was crystal clear so it looks like they have just had an unfortunate accident.''
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