Having read the report ‘Alarm over rise in fells death toll’ (Gazette, March 21), my initial reaction was that there are so many risk assessment issues around us in our daily lives at home, work, on the way to and from work and even in our health service that it’s no wonder more people are out on the fells taking ‘high adrenaline’ risks.

We need adrenaline for our bodies to physically function well, albeit different amounts for different people. I’ve noted that husbands and wives usually differ tremendously in this respect. Risk or the perception of risk is what produces it.

On reflection (which is always a good idea) and re-reading the report I would not disagree with anything Richard Warren and Nick Owen, from the mountain rescue service, said, especially in regard to preparation and research of the chosen activity and site beforehand.

However some of us will never be happy unless our desire for more adrenaline is quenched.

Take the mountain biker hurtling down the scree path for example. ‘Crazy’ to me, ‘fulfilling’ to him.

For most of us ambling along or up a mountain ridge will be sufficient to keep our bodies suitably physically and mentally stimulated. But all of it has risk involved.

I would question the subtitle of your article ‘High octane sports fans not fully prepared for the danger’. Danger is the reason they are there.

David Tomison, Allithwaite