In recognition of Chambers Garage’s generous and invaluable support over many years, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) has presented the Tirril-based business with a Business Supporter plaque and a special letter of thanks. The presentation was made by Mike Childs, the Team’s Vehicles Officer.
Chambers Garage services and maintains the Team’s rescue boat trailer as well as its fleet of four Land Rover Defender 110 rescue vehicles. A vast majority of call-outs take place in the high mountains and remote beauty spots of the Ullswater valley, so these vehicles are essential for rescue work. They are used to transport personnel and equipment quickly and safely, meaning that casualties can be treated and evacuated more effectively, often in time critical situations.
The team at Chambers Garage plays a vital role in keeping these vehicles in the best possible condition to deal with challenging terrain, in all weathers, all year round.
One of the Team’s rescue vehicles, known as Mobile 3, is now 16 years old and it is testimony to Chambers’ quality of service that it has served four years more than the usual 12 years for a Patterdale MRT rescue vehicle. Consequently, the Team and Trustees took the decision just before lockdown to purchase a Land Rover New Defender 110 as a replacement vehicle. A fundraising campaign was launched earlier in the summer to raise £85,000, £55,000 for the vehicle and another £30,000 for specialist modifications to convert it to a rescue vehicle.
So far, thanks to a significant bequest and the generosity of members of the public, the Team has raised £20,000 towards this target and is anticipating that the proceeds of the sale of the old vehicle will boost this soon too. However, that still leaves them with almost £50,000 to be raised.
Donations may be made via the Team’s website where there is also a link to a dedicated Virgin Money Giving appeals page.