HELP MOUNTAIN RESCUE?

An experienced hill walker himself, was always a keen supporter of the UK’s Mountain Rescue teams but never expected he’d one day need their assistance. In January 2016, Paul and his border collie Sam got into difficulties during treacherous winter conditions in the fells above Langdale and were helped to safety by members of the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team. After his ordeal, Paul wanted to give something back and thought to himself, “Anyone can donate more money, but is there something else I can do? Then I saw a post on Facebook asking for dogsbodies.” Training a search and rescue dog takes time and practice, and volunteers are needed to act as ‘bodies’ during training and assessment. “Essentially I go out and hide in the hills, and wait to be found” says Paul. And while that sounds simple enough, being a dogsbody can be very demanding. “I’ve been out in Borrowdale all day in minus two conditions. But you’re well wrapped up with a bivvy bag, your welfare’s checked up on and you can radio to get out at any point.” Weekend training exercises take place monthly. Find out more at: www.sardaengland.org.uk/ training-information/dogsbodies Britain’s Mountain Rescue Teams are run entirely by volunteers and rely on donations to purchase and maintain the specialist lifesaving equipment and off-road vehicles they use. You’ll often see members raising funds on their patch and you too can get involved.

Whether it’s a cake sale or a sponsored walk, there are loads of ways you can raise money, with websites like www.justgiving.com making donating easier than ever. You can donate to a local team or one of three national bodies. Find out more about their work and how to donate at: www.mountain. rescue.org.uk (England & Wales), www. scottishmountainrescue.org (Scotland) and www.mountainrescue.ie (Ireland).