Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) celebrated Christmas with a meal for Team members and their partners, Trustees and supporters on Saturday night (14 December) at The George and Dragon in Clifton near Penrith. As part of the evening, a collection was taken, raising over £180.
“We did something similar last year,” explains Team member, Tony Recchia, “and used the money to buy food and treats to be distributed by The Salvation Army in Penrith. This year, everyone at the dinner unanimously pushed for us to do the same again and we were pleased to meet up with Majors Carole and Alan Donaldson after we’d done the shopping!”
Recent weeks have been busy ones for Patterdale MRT including a casualty involved in a vehicle collision on a snowy Kirkstone Pass, a search around Watermillock for a missing woman and a group lost on Helvellyn.
“This time of year can be busy for us, depending on the weather and the conditions under foot,” says Patterdale MRT Team Leader, Mike Rippon. “It’s likely to be buzzing in and around the Lake District over the holidays and it can be a fantastic time of year to be in the mountains. All we ask is that people plan ahead, find out what to expect from the weather, have the right gear and make sure they’ve got the skills to deal with the conditions. It’s all about being #AdventureSmart. Whatever happens, we’re on duty 24/7/365 if we’re needed.”
Mike concluded: “The dinner is one way of thanking lots of people involved in supporting the Team through the year, including all our friends, supporters and fundraisers. I’d like to thank them and the local community for everything they’ve done in 2019 and wish them all a safe and a prosperous New Year.”
