Fundraising

Calling out the Mountain Rescue in the UK is free of charge to those in need, unlike many other countries around the world where the casualty receives a bill! Naturally, just like other emergency services, there is a cost. This is usually borne by the individual rescue team doing the work. The average running cost of a mountain rescue team can vary between £15,000 - £70,000 per year plus the cost of any major purchases, such as replacement equipment, base modernisation or vehicle update.

“Probably the most over-riding reason why mountain rescue services remain free is that the people who provide the service want it to be that way.” (The Mountain Rescue Council, 2002).

Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team, like all of the national teams, is entirely staffed by volunteers, giving their skills and time to a professional service of which they are extremely proud. The Duddon and Furness team is supported entirely from voluntary donations with team members giving up their spare time, not only to facilitate search and rescue but also to train and fundraise.

The team attends many local galas, community fetes and carnivals to give demonstrations, raise public awareness and to help keep the public informed about mountain safety. This can involve many weekends of work over the summer months. The team also offers talks and slide shows to local groups such as the Scouts, Guides, Soroptomists and Women’s Institute to name but a few. The team undertakes passive fundraising through the use of collection boxes placed in shops, pubs, garages etc throughout the south lakes.

The team is supported in the background by a number of patrons and annual donators who wish to remain anonymous. Their contribution is vital to the future and the success of mountain rescue in the south lakes.

Our Supporters' Club, launched in January 2007, also acts as a vehicle to raise funds while keeping interested people up to date on our activities.
It is particularly suited to those with a general interest in the mountains and our part in the provision of emergency cover. For further details Click Here.