Mary-Jane Parker

Mary-Jane Parker suffered 10 broken ribs after being crushed by cows

A woman from the Borders says she is lucky to be alive after being rescued when she was crushed by cows in the Highlands.

Experienced hillwalker Mary-Jane Parker, 61, from Peebles, planned to bag three Munros near Newtonmore in August this year.

Within minutes she was crushed, dragged and trampled by a herd of cattle and feared for her life.

However, she had activated an emergency tracking device and was flown to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for surgery by Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA). “It’s a miracle I made it out alive,” she said.

Mary-Jane Parker

The experienced hillwalker was hoping to bag three Munros in the Highlands but ended up fearing she might die

“I’m always very wary and respectful of cows on open ground and usually stay well clear of them,” she said.

“Unfortunately, this gang was hidden behind a bank of high ground and I didn’t see them until I skirted the mound and found myself just feet away from them.”

Within seconds, the cattle surrounded Mary-Jane and started to close in on her.

“One of them put its head down and started thumping the ground. I was terrified. I couldn’t escape,” she added.

“My little dog Lola panicked, broke out of her collar and bolted just as the cows attacked.

“I was crushed between two of the cows, swept off my feet and carried between them as they charged off along the track.”

SCAA

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance flew Mary-Jane to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Mary-Jane was thrown to the ground but her rucksack strap was round one of the cow’s legs and she was dragged along the ground.

“Next thing I knew I was tossed up in the air, then crashed back to earth,” she said.

Although the attack lasted only a few minutes, she suffered serious injuries.

“I saw a massive wound on my left leg – my calf was ripped open from knee to ankle and the muscle was hanging out,” she said.

“The cows didn’t move off – I was terrified they would trample me or attack me again.

“I decided to play dead – keep as still as I could and hope they moved away without hurting me further.”

Mary-Jane Parker

The walker spent 10 days in hospital after the attack

She lay for about 45 minutes before the SOS alert she had triggered on her Garmin tracking device was answered.

“I lay still, pretending to be dead. I could feel one of the animals snuffling at my head,” she said.

“A second was licking my bleeding wounds while a third kept pawing at my foot.

“The danger was far from over.”

The first voices Mary-Jane heard were some fellow hillwalkers who chased off the cattle and rushed to her aid, reassuring her that her little dog was safe and well.

Minutes later, police and then paramedics arrived and transported her off the hill to a waiting ambulance.

Mary-Jane Parker

Mary-Jane said it was thanks to the SCAA that she was still alive

“A doctor and advanced nurse practitioner then arrived and judged that my injuries were so extensive that a road ambulance wouldn’t make it to hospital in time,” she said.

“The pain was crippling – I’ve never experienced anything like it.

“I was aware I was surrounded by wonderful people who were all intent on saving my life – but it might not be enough.”

The SCAA ambulance took her to hospital where she was rushed through X-ray and into surgery.

She had suffered 10 broken ribs, a broken sternum, a broken right hand, pooling of blood in the chest wall, bruised lungs, major leg trauma and multiple bruises to the head, face and body.

Ten days later, following various surgeries – including skin grafts – Mary-Jane was allowed to return home to Peebles where her recovery continues.

“I’m so grateful every day when I wake up and know I am still alive,” she said.

“What a gift it is, to be given that second chance.

“And it was SCAA that gave me that chance. This charity is why I am here today. I’m able to be with my family this Christmas because of SCAA.”

She said the charity had been there for her on the worst day of her life.

“I thought I was done for out there on that track,” she said.

“I thought that was where it would all end for me.

“SCAA turned that on its head and got me where I needed to be – in time – to keep fighting and survive. I owe them everything.”

What should you do if you encounter cattle in the countryside?

The advice from NatureScot to anyone out walking who encounters cattle is to first of all check for alternative routes.

If that is not possible it recommends staying a “safe distance” from cows, keeping dogs on a short lead and avoiding getting between cows and their calves.

If cattle react aggressively the advice is to keep calm and leave at the first opportunity by taking the “shortest, safest route out of the field”.