Awards night pays tribute to region’s brave rescue teams

A total of 20 awards were presented at the Search and Rescue Awards Ceremony at Raven Hall Hotel, Ravenscar, near Scarborough, where two of the casualties described their own dramatic rescues.

Zoe Ketteridge, from Methley, Leeds, was rescued by the Cave Rescue Organisation after falling on Yorkshire’s highest peak, Whernside, in the Dales.

The 42-year-old is lucky to be alive after falling 100 metres when she slipped on ice as her horrified husband Jon looked on.

Mrs Ketteridge, who has been raising funds for the team since her accident in February 2009, said: “I have a vivid memory of falling. I have stopped having the nightmares now but everyone in this room was involved in my rescue. I am in awe of their dedication, it is amazing. They are the unsung heroes.”

Her husband added: “I was very close to losing the most important person in my life that day. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to say thank you for the wonderful work you do.”

Teenager Callum Rock suffered multiple skull and facial fractures and spent time on a life support machine after falling 70ft on Highcliff Nab, Guisborough, while climbing with his father.

The 17-year-old paid tribute to the Stokesley-based Cleveland Search and Rescue Team, who played the lead role in bringing him to safety.

“They saved my life and I wanted to be here to support them and to say thank you,” he said.

The awards ceremony, which is supported by Welcome to Yorkshire, aims to highlight the critical work carried by five lifesaving teams, who over the past 15 months have responded to 163 incidents – about one call every 48 hours.

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity said: “These lifesaving volunteers are vital to Yorkshire and vital in keeping our visitors safe. It has been an honour to support the Search and Rescue Awards ceremony to highlight the invaluable work they do.”

Other team and individual awards were presented to Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team, Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team, and Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association.