A Lake District mountain rescue team is hosting a virtual duck race to help it raise money for life saving equipment.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue is set to host the duck race as an online event on Friday May 16 – which means everyone is able to take part from the comfort of their own home.
All those interested have to do is sponsor a duck and watch the video on the team’s Facebook page of the ducks being released in Wasdale on Friday evening.
The winner will be announced in the video and will get a cash prize.
People from Cumbria and beyond are also welcome to join in as the event is fully virtual.
To take part, people are asked to:
- Visit the duck race JustGiving link here
- Donate £5 to enter a duck
- Write your name with the word ‘duck’ next to it while you donate
- The team will then allocate you a duck number based on the order of donations
All funds raised from the event will go straight to the team – which is made up entirely of volunteers – to help them fund the life-saving equipment they use to rescue people stranded in the Lake District’s fells.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue team has been assisting people in the western fells of the Lake District for over 50 years.
The team covers England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and respond to over 100 calls for help every year.
It consists of around 50 professional volunteers who give their time to help those in need, whatever the weather, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The total number of callouts for 2024 came up to 168, which makes Wasdale Mountain Rescue the busiest out of all the Lake District’s mountain rescue teams.
Basia McMillan, a Wasdale Mountain Rescue team member, said: “The team relies on donations received from the public. Charitable gifts are always gratefully received.
“As well as always needing money to replace ageing equipment and vehicles we require funds for more mundane costs such as utilities, fuel and maintenance.
“This event has been organised to financial support to the team and all funds will be used to fund the future operation of the team.
“People don’t often realise that mountain rescue teams consist of volunteers.
“We are not getting paid for attending rescues, we are just giving our own time and commitment to go and help.
“We are normal people with ordinary jobs and we consist of teachers, electricians, plumbers, police officers, mothers and fathers.
“Without the public’s support, we would not be able to operate. So today, we are asking everyone to get involved in our fundraising event to help those who help.”
