Fundraiser started for Okanagan woman who was injured in mountain biking accident

Earlier this week a woman was rescued after becoming injured while mountain biking in the Okanagan.

On Monday, a group of riders called emergency services after one of their members became injured in the Skaha Bluffs area in Penticton.

The group were able to provide their exact GSP coordinates and flagged the site with an emergency blanket, making it easy for the Penticton Search and Rescue team to find them.

According to a post from PENSAR, the terrain was difficult and the woman’s injuries required a helicopter rescue.

“The subject was long-lined out by helicopter to a waiting ambulance staged at Painted Rock Winery,” PENSAR said.

“PenSAR ground crews were on scene providing support and assisting with coordination throughout the rescue.”

According to Arrow Slocan Tourism, the woman, who has been identified as Keara Shepherd, was airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital and, as of Thursday, is still in the ICU.

On Thursday, a friend of the woman who was injured set up a fundraiser to support Keara.

“My name is Sharon, my good friend Keara was seriously injured in a mountain bike accident on Monday,” the GoFundMe said.

“She has some internal injuries and prognosis is uncertain at this point. It looks like she will be off work for at least the next few weeks, maybe longer if surgery is required.”

Sharon said the goal of the fundraiser would be to supplement her income while she recovers.

The fundraiser said Keara is a Nakusp volunteer firefighter and President of the Naksusp and Area Bike Society.

“Keara is one of the kindest, most generous and committed people I know (...) Keara is always helping and supporting others, now it’s our turn to show up for her,” the fundraiser said.

The goal is to raise $10,000 and as of Thursday afternoon, $6,270 has been raised.