MOUNTAIN survivor Jackie Gleave heads off to the peaks on Sunday - with a 48 pack on her back.

The Lowton school secretary, who five years ago claimed she was the luckiest woman alive, will sell cans of Guinness on top of the 3000ft Great Gable in the Lake District, to raise funds for the team who helped pluck her to safety.

It was in February 1994 that Jackie crashed 200ft through a snow overhang while walking with two others on the 3.500ft Derry Cairngorm, north of Braemar, in the Grampian mountains.

The 51-years-old grandmother dug herself into a snow hole and survived 40 freezing hours before being found.

Around 70 members of civilian, police and RAF mountain rescue teams took part in the search and rescue.

On being freed Jackie, who suffered a frost bitten right hand, declared her need for a Guinness.

Since then the company has sponsored her to help raise funds for more hounds and equipment for the Search and Rescue Dogs in Scotland.

Jackie, now 56, said: "I'll be packing 48 cans, weighing 1lb 1oz each into my rucksack and carrying them to the summit, where I sell them to thirsty climbers, in some cases they give £10 a can.

"The accident didn't stop my love for the mountains and I still go as often as I can. I shall even be carrying the cans up a waterfall this time. I will never forget what the rescue teams did for me. It is good to be able to do something to pay them back each year."

Anyone who would like to help with sponsorship can contact Jackie on 741640.

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