Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team awarded £8,000 for new kits

The £8,000 from The Sun Reader’s Fund will pay for 50 lightweight waterproof jackets to keep Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team’s volunteers dry in the summer months.

Ian Hugill, Incident Controller and Press Officer, said: “It seemed too good an opportunity to miss to get an extra £8,000.

“Our team need jackets that will keep them dry but not cause them to overheat.

“As a team, we’re responsible for the welfare of our members and they need to be prepared for the weather all year round.”

The rescue team is made up entirely of volunteers who help save lives and assist injured and distressed people.

They are often called upon to find and help people lost in remote areas, sometimes administering first aid, and to look for people who have gone missing.

They also help other organisations who are running outdoor events.

Last weekend, they were on standby to assist with flooding rescues caused by Storm Dennis.

“It’s definitely varied,” said Ian. “You never know what it’s going to be when you get that call.”

The volunteers train at least three times a month to ensure they are ready to help.

Last year, they had 66 call outs. The year before that, they had 90.

The team relies on £45,000-worth of fund raising and generous donations every year to keep going.

Anyone interested in donating to the team or any businesses interested in sponsoring its equipment can find out more information by visiting www.srmrt.org.uk.

Potential volunteers can also get in touch via the website. The rescue team is looking for people aged between 18 and 70 who are physically fit and live within about one hours travelling time of the team base in Snainton.

They should have their own transport, experienced outdoor enthusiasts, be able to offer 150 hours a year and enjoy working as part of a team.