WITH millions of visitors lured to roam the Lake District's majestic fells each year, our voluntary mountain rescue teams are now more vital than ever, being constantly on-call to rescue stricken walkers.
Coniston Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) was the first such organisation, set up in 1947, and its team of around 30 volunteers has taken 54 callouts in 2022.
The team works closely with other emergency services, but team Treasurer Jackie Coe said she was shocked upon first realising how much the service relies upon public fundraising.
She said: "When I became treasurer of CMRT four years ago I had no idea how much it would involve.
"I knew that rescuers were all volunteers, but I didn't realise that mountain rescue didn’t receive any financial assistance from the government at all, unless you count being able to claim back the VAT.
"This means that we rely on fundraising events and donations, and luckily people are very generous."
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Fundraising Officer Liz Ribchester gave an insight into just how much money is required for the team to carry out its often-unheralded service.
She said: "It can cost up to £1500 to kit out a new team member.
"It has just cost the team approximately £3500 to upgrade and replace all search and personnel head torches.
"Without the fundraising of the team, as well as regular donations by Friends of Coniston Mountain Rescue, not to mention the generous donations and fundraisers held by the very kind public, we would not be able to continue to provide the life-saving service that we do.
"This often involved team members and supporters spending many hours standing in the freezing cold, pouring rain or howling gale, marshalling running or walking events, running stalls at country shows, and supporting car parking for a local rally.
"We've hosted youth groups at the base and in the local area, working with them to share our role and teach them a greater awareness of safety in the fells.
"Looking forward to 2023, the team hopes to finalise plans for a new base build, as well as providing the local community with additional resilience storage and facilities.
"This will be a massive project for which we will require substantial financial support."
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