Yorkshire mountain rescue team crowdfunding after losing crucial life-saving 4x4 amidst lockdown surge in callouts

Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team has seen a huge surge in callouts in recent months, with more and more people taking advantage of the outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic.

The closure of gyms, thousands of people on furlough and inability to meet friends and family indoors has led to more people venturing onto Yorkshire's moors and national parks, meaning an upturn in people needing to be rescued.

But the Penistone-based rescue team which covers a huge area - from Woodhead Pass at the South and West Yorkshire border, down to Doncaster and parts of the Peak District - was left high and dry last month after one of the vehicles it crucially needs to access isolated areas was declared no longer fit for use, due to being 20 years old.

Steven Cullabine, from the rescue team, said it would cost £40,000 to buy a new vehicle and have it converted for its purpose – a sum which the team needs on its own each year just to stay afloat.

Volunteers are now crowdfunding for the money, and are offering the biggest sponsors advertising on the vehicle in return.

“Put simply, the old Land Rover is not safe for use anymore,” said Mr Cullabine.

“It’s beyond repair and we have just weeks to raise the money for a new one.

“Last year was our busiest yet with more people going outdoors and, in particular, we have been called to a lot of injured mountain bikers and vulnerable missing people.

"Because of Covid-19, people have been going out into the countryside more. Gyms have been shut and people have been furloughed, so it makes sense that more have been outdoors.

"Unfortunately, with that means a higher number of callouts. We rely on £40k a year anyway to operate, but last year we weren't able to fundraise due to the pandemic and are relying on donations from the public and business sponsors at the moment."

Donations of more than £100 will get sponsors’ names on the rear windscreen of the new rescue vehicle, while £500 or more will get a logo on the side.

Anyone wishing to donate can visit Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team's Crowdfunding page here.

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