Medics in fight to save festival girl

Aug 3 2008 by Ian Robson, Sunday Sun

A ROCK fan was fighting for her life last night after taking drugs at a music festival.

The 20-year-old woman was taken ill at the Kendal Calling festival in Cumbria’s Lake District.

She was rushed to hospital, where her condition was described as critical.

And we can reveal that one of the bands performing at the festival appeared to encourage the use of drugs over the weekend.

Deathretro — in a posting on the official website and in a festival booklet — was asked to provide survival tips for fans.

The group wrote: “Don’t just get p*ssed, take a load of drugs and miss the bands. Do all three.”

The Sunday Sun alerted Cumbria Police to the comments.

Inspector Neil Thompson said: “I will bring this to the attention of the officers investigating what happened to this young woman.

“Encouraging the taking of drugs is clearly inappropriate. I am sure the organisers will be mortified.”

Festival Press officer Julie Cotton confirmed the comments had been made. She said: “The comments made by bands within the festival booklet do not reflect in any way the festival stance on drug usage.

“The festival operates a zero-tolerance approach in relation to drugs.”

Deathretro — originally from Cumbria and now living in Leeds — were performing at the three-day festival yesterday.

Meanwhile, police said they would crack down on drugs following the incident.

A spokesman for the police said: “Police and event organisers of Kendal Calling are warning against the dangers of taking illegal drugs after a woman suffered a suspected drugs overdose at the event.

“Ambulance crews were called to the music event at 11.30pm on Friday. They treated a 20-year-old woman from Wales who was suffering from the effects of a suspected drugs overdose.

“She was taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, where she remains in a critical condition.

“Members of the public and those who are attending the event over the weekend are warned about taking controlled drugs from unknown sources and are reminded possession of drugs at the event will not be tolerated.

“A police investigation is now under way into the incident and anyone who has any information which may interest detectives is asked to contact Cumbria Police.”

The event is organised by Andy Smith and Ben Robinson at Grate Farm.

A statement on behalf of Kendal Calling said: “We are deeply saddened by this incident at what has so far, apart from the weather, been a superb event.

“We send our best wishes to the lady and her family and wish for a speedy recovery.”