Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team has launched a £25,000 appeal towards the cost of replacing its boat.
Team member and trustee, Peter Baker, who is leading the fundraising group for the new appeal, said: “The current rescue boat fulfils two essential functions — it is our means of rapid transport for people and equipment to emergencies on the eastern side of Ullswater, and our primary rescue vehicle for incidents on the lake and in floods.”
“We need to replace this vital team resource,” said chairman of trustees, Chris Sanderson, “and we have set a target of raising £25,000 to complete the funds required for the new rescue boat appeal.
“Our supporters and fundraisers have been incredibly generous in the past and we hope that this appeal will give a fresh focus in the coming months.”
The current rescue boat is named after John Scott, the team’s former chairman and founder of its supporters’ club,” said team leader, Mike Rippon.
“Known as Scottie, it has been in service with the team for over 14 years so it’s time to explore options for a replacement for both the boat and its trailer-transporter.”
Many of the Patterdale Team’s rescues are on the far shore of Ullswater from the Rescue Centre in Patterdale.
On this eastern shore, road vehicles either cannot reach the incident site at all or, especially during the busiest months for visitors, using local roads will not reach casualties quickly enough.
The team is also seeing a significant number of call-outs related to water sports with the growing popularity of wild swimming, paddle-boarding and canoeing.
During periods of severe flooding Scottie has also proved invaluable in the local area and county-wide.
During Storm Desmond and its aftermath, the rescue boat allowed the team to help members of the Ullswater valley community who needed rescuing and supported the delivery of essential medicines and provisions.
The team believes that the total cost of replacing the current boat will be in the order of £45,000 and is hoping that a contribution of £20,000 will come from the sale of Scottie and the associated VAT refund.
Sales of the Ullswater Valley Calendar 2022 are going towards the appeal and a significant donation from the organisers of the recent Lakeland Trails event has given an initial boost to funds.
To find out more about the appeal and Patterdale MRT, visit www.mountainrescue.org.uk
