AMAZING pictures show a bloodied mountain climber smiling for the camera – unaware she had broken her neck.
Magdalena Michalowska tumbled 15 metres (50ft) from a rock face on Stob Garbh near Stirling.
Although bloodied, brusied and sore, Magdalena, had no idea how badly hurt she was and happily posed for snaps.
It was only when rescuers arrived that the seriousness of the situation began to emerge and the 41-year-old was airlifted off the mountain three hours later.
In addition to a cracked cheek, broken ankle and severe bruising, doctors realised she had fractured one of the vertebrae in her neck.
Originally from Poland and now living in Glasgow, Magda and her companions set out to tackle the 957m (3,142ft) peak on Saturday.
Magda and her friend, Wojciech Turek, were climbing a separate path to the top when the accident happened.
Magda posted Wojciech’s pictures on social media to raise awareness of the dangers of hill walking.
She posted the images saying: “My last hill walk finished in hospital. Be careful people in the mountains.”
Magda was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow by the Coastguard Rescue helicopter after support from the local mountain rescue team.
Explaining how she came to pose smiling for the pictures, Magda said: “I was just happy to be alive.
“I just try to always find something positive in every case. I was very happy [Wojciech] was there.”
Magda admitted she was “surprised” about the extent of her injuries.
Magda, who will have to wear a neck collar for the next six weeks, said: “I can’t move my body or neck as I’ve cracked part of my spine.
“I was surprised because I didn’t feel a lot of pain.”
On social media, Bugsy Malone wrote admiringly: “You still managed a smile as well, brave lady.”
This is not the first time someone has underestimated their injuries whilst hiking.
In 2016, a doctor who broke her back in 12 places in a mountain fall walked off the hill, was driven 70 miles home and fed the dog – before going to A&E.
Ashley Simpson, from Edinburgh, escaped death after slipping on Ben Lawers in the Highlands with a boulder breaking her fall.
Her boyfriend took a picture of her lying in the snow before realising the extent of her injuries.
The Killin Mountain Rescue Team attended the incident around 3pm on Saturday afternoon.
Team Coordinator, Bill Rose, said they were regularly called to the area as it is very steep.
He added that it was fortunate mist in the area cleared so that they were able to bring in the helicopter.
Speaking about the casualty’s cheerful demeanour, he said: “It happens quite frequently – it’s reassurance that we’re getting them to a hospital.”
He added; “I’ve even had people singing songs to us. Not only is it a reassurance to them, but it’s also a reassurance to us as well.
“It can take a while for us to get there so I suppose they’re just relieved to see us.”
