100 years of saving lives ‘rather a great feeling’
A LOT has changed over the past 50 years.
Dave Cook and Gari Finch joined the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) back in 1970, at a time where not everyone had phones.
The ones who did used to round up the team, by calling round their homes.
“We are both quite chuffed to be able to say we have clocked up 50 years each with the team.
“I enjoy finding people and rescuing people, it’s rather a great feeling.
“To think someone is in distress, lost or injured, and along come a group of people who sort out their injuries and get them home safely is very self-satisfying, very rewarding,” Dave said.
In the past 50 years, the compassionate 75-year-olds have now helped on up to 2,000 emergency callouts.
Dave worked as a police officer and Gari as a geology and geography teacher when they were 25 and joined the team, but they managed to juggle their careers and family life with their heroic service.
And although advancing in years, neither of them is planning on stopping any time soon.
On a recent rescue, to a woman who had broken her leg on the moors, the brave pair were at the forefront as teams drove out to find her.
“Last Sunday, I drove one of the Land Rovers on blues and twos and the other Land Rover was being driven by Dave,” Gari said, who has received an MBE for his service to the team.
“I guess the reason I joined was to help others.
“I was a keen rock climber and walker years ago, and still am, and I suppose I would have liked to think that if I had an accident, someone would come to my aid.
“If at my advanced age I am still useful, I will stay in the team,” Gari added.
The team now completes roughly 60 search and rescue attempts per year, with an annual running cost of between £30,000 and £40,000.
Dave said: “The team started in 1965 and when I joined, we had two or three radios, at best, that were big, bulky things and we used our own vehicles.
“A couple of our members had Land Rovers.
“Back then it was mainly searches that we did, not rescues; and not many of us had telephones.
“Now we can send messages to each other instantly and even be on a call all at the same time.”
Recognised for their combined 100 years of voluntary service, the brave pair have been honoured with a Teesside Heroes award by Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation.
James Dale from the foundation presented Dave and Gari with their awards, which included a trophy each and £1,000, that will go towards the team’s running costs.
The pair were humbled to be recognised for their 50 years of commitment.
Granddad of five, Gari said: “Getting the award was fantastic.
“It’s a lovely little trophy, I’m very pleased with it.”
“My family were quite appreciative, saying it was nice to see me getting recognition for my years of service.
“I may have to retire from the team at some point but I’m pleased to have managed 50 years as it’s fairly rare to see someone who has put in 50 years and is still fit enough to do the job.
“As far as I’m concerned, as long as I’m fit enough to help and be of use, I will continue to do it.”
The money is greatly appreciated by the team, who have struggled with fundraising efforts this year due to Covid-19, like countless other charities.
With fundraising events cancelled and less money going into collection boxes, the team has been hit hard over the past few months.
The collection boxes, that are placed in pubs and businesses, have raised over £40,000 since 1990.
Dave, who services the boxes, said: “It’s been difficult this year to do the collections and think about having to quarantine the money.
“Income from the collection boxes has about halved this year but we are still running the vehicles and getting as many callouts as we usually do and costs like those of insurance and replacing equipment remain the same.
“We are a very useful emergency service that doesn’t just go to look for lost and injured people, but also assists with things like supporting the ambulance service when the Beast from the East struck and they couldn’t get up some roads in East Cleveland villages.”
CMRT deputy team leader, Mike Gallagher said: “Cleveland Mountain Rescue are very proud of Gari and Dave’s achievements and recognise their 50 years of voluntary service to mountain rescue.
“Nationally, Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) will be awarding them their 50 years’ long service award.”