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← Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

2024-09-30-accounts

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Annual Report 2023/2024

Presented to the Annual General Meeting 18[th] November 2024

Team members and Officials 2023/2024

Presidents and Vice-presidents

President Vice-president Vice-president Vice-president

Richard Longman Dr. Nigel Burton Maurice Pringle Dr. Adrian Simper OBE

Trustees

Chair John Bamforth Duty Team Leader Ian Davidson Duty Team Leader and Training Officer Phil Hall Duty Team Leader John Hryb Duty Team Leader Penny Kirby MBE Trustee and Treasurer John Noake Trustee Mike Smith Trustee and Water/Boat Officer Rob Stalker Trustee, Equipment and Statistics Officer Lee Tunstall

Co-opted officers

Buildings Officer Medical Officer Communications Officer ICT Officer Recruitment Officer Secretary Press Officer Vehicles Officer Fundraising Officers Wellbeing Officer

Hugh Redington Lucy Belson Dave Allery Paul Barratt Sue Noake Graham Hogg Richard Warren Jake Manson Anne Guest and Sam Stalker Paul Kerry

Full Team Members (37)

Dave Allery Chris Adams John Bamforth Jack Bavister Martin Bentley Alan Blight Andy Cramp Chris Cripps

Phil Hall Mark Harrison Robert Higham Graham Hogg John Hryb Sarah Kekus David Kennedy Penny Kirby MBE

Sue Noake Gareth Platt Mike Robinson Dan Shepherd Mike Smith Rob Stalker Luke Tipper Lee Tunstall

Ian Davidson Jon Lynch Stephen Walter Chad Dixon Jake Manson Richard Warren Phil Gibbs Richard Moss Sarah Wild Ava Grossman John Noake Klemen Zafred Mitchell Graham

Associate Team Members - Probationers (6)

Ula Bronkowska Basia Macmillan Sam Ketchen Stuart Rigg

Stuart Rushton Tony Shambrook

Associate Team Members - Support (9)

Paul Barratt Anne Guest Lucy Belson Mark Hazell Tim Brooks Paul Kerry

Dr. Tariq Qureshi Hugh Redington Sam Stalker

Honorary Life Team Members (28)

Dave Barras Keith Hudson Bob Bennett Richard Longman Howard Christie Joe Moody Dave Fryer Will Mullineux Jenny Green Guy Newbold Roger Green Ken Owens Karen Greene Bill Pattison MBE Mike Greene MBE Dave Polhill Pete Holburt Maurice Pringle Carol Holmes

Janice Reynolds Brian Smith Colin Smith Gordon Starkie Keith Thompson Nick West Dave Willey Royanne Wilding Martin Young

Agenda

  1. Opening remarks from the Chair

  2. Acceptance of the minutes of the 2023 Annual General Meeting held on 27th November 2023

  3. Election of Trustees being:

  4. Chair

  5. Up to 4 Duty Team Leaders

  6. Up to 9 trustees, including Chair and Duty Team Leaders

The following nominations for trustees were received by the deadline:

Position Candidate Proposer Seconder
Chair John Bamforth Mike Smith Rob Stalker
Duty Team Leader Ian Davidson John Hryb Richard Warren
Duty Team Leader John Hryb Jon Lynch Penny Kirby
Duty Team Leader Penny Kirby Mike Robinson Richard Moss
Duty Team Leader Rob Stalker Jake Manson Luke Tipper
Charity Trustee Paul Barratt Lee Tunstall Alan Blight
Charity Trustee John Noake Sue Noake Penny Kirby
Charity Trustee Mike Smith Alan Blight Jack Bavister
Charity Trustee Lee Tunstall Mike Smith Richard Warren

  1. Presentation of the 2024 Annual Reports by Officers including the 2023/24 Accounts

  2. Motions for debate and proposed constitutional change

  3. Appointment of Auditors (with a proposal to retain Robinson & Co)

  4. Any Other Business

Chair’s Report

Welcome to the 2024 annual report for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team. More detail can be found in the officer reports later but this introduction highlights some of the great efforts in another tremendous year for the team.

Again, to press, we have been the busiest team in the Lake District this year in terms of numbers of callouts including alerts and it is looking like we will be close to the team’s 2023 record of 167 by the end of the year. A really striking statistic is the number of rescue hours, which at the end of October was over 25% higher than the next busiest team in the Lakes and 2.5 times the average number of hours for all Lake District rescues. The terrain of the patch and other factors mean that the average callout length is more than 4 hours for our team and, in some months, has been 5-6 hours on average.

The picture across the Lake District shows that team deployments are over 20% higher than in 2023. The demands that this effort has placed on our team and its resources has been profoundly felt and we have formed a group of folks who are looking at how we can sustain this going forward, whilst ensuring our wellbeing as team members. Talking of wellbeing, we have deliberately carved out some time to look at what we do and how emotively difficult situations affect us, including speaking to casualties, their friends, and families, so that we cannot support each other better in challenging situations. As ever, the team has responded splendidly, and thanks must go to our Duty Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leaders for handling the calls often at unsociable times, and to all members for attending callouts when they can.

In addition to the number of callouts, we have still been training hard but have recognised this year that the summer busy season takes its toll with depleted resources as members go on holiday, and so we decided to stop training though most of July and August. That said, we have increased the formal training with a very successful crag training weekend in North Wales in Autumn to augment the popular Winter training weekend in Scotland. Thanks must go to the training officer and all those who have organised our training activities including training with other teams, other agencies and using other volunteers to give us an ever wider-ranging field of knowledge.

About a third of our callouts have included a medical response, and whilst many have been traditionally frequent lower limb injuries, some have been very complex in nature and in very difficult terrain. It is not an overstatement to say that some of our casualties would either not have survived or would have a worse prognosis had it not been for the medical interventions on the hill. You just need to read some of the responses that we receive from casualties, their family, and friends to understand the impact that the team has on what is possibly one of the worst days of their lives. Anyone involved can feel rightly proud of their contribution, none more so than our fabulous medical team, who have gone the extra mile to give us the skills to be able to do the job when it matters.

Just over five years has passed since we recognised that we could not rely on new members approaching us to join the team and we started to actively recruit to match the continual growth in callouts. Another cohort of probationers is nearing the end of their training, some of the previous year’s cohort have become full members and next year’s cohort are about to undergo

their hill test after a rigorous application and selection process. Thanks must go to all those involved in recruiting, interviewing, and assessing our candidates.

Our vehicles have generally performed well, although Mobile 1 and Mobile 3 are starting to show their age and so we have considered their replacements, both of which are expensive capital items. Fortunately, we have been awarded grants from the Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership to upgrade Mobile 1 to the standard of Mobile 4, and to replace Mobile 3: our thanks go to them and to our vehicles officer and others for their efforts in ensuring that our fleet remains serviceable.

After many years of sledging casualties on our Bell stretchers, where possible, the main change this year has been the almost total use of a lighter titanium stretcher with a purpose-designed wheel. There are still issues to iron out over time, but there appear to be many advantages to the new system, and we are about to investigate the addition of a disc brake to the new setup. There are many items of equipment required for the team to do its job, and several members have assisted the equipment officers over the year to check existing equipment, specify new equipment, as well as logging callouts and training sessions. Thanks to our equipment officers and all those who have helped including the recording of everything on our D4H software system.

Our water and boat capability is nearing the ideal number for the team and congratulations must go to the water officer and those who have qualified as technicians, advanced technicians, instructors, team commanders and boat drivers.

Our base is evolving over time and kit storage has moved, notably in the garage, to make way for the installation of our lowering platform to allow us to practice techniques with good visibility in a safe environment. Sadly, the installation has not yet happened, but we are hopeful for next year. With the increase in membership has come an increased requirement for car parking and we are looking to mark car park bays to maximise what we have and possibly increase the area. Who would have thought we would reach capacity in such a short time after the build only six years ago? Thanks to the buildings officer and all who have cut the grass, tidied up, stayed in for the alarm service or other maintenance jobs and helped keep our base a real showpiece.

Communications on the hill is a key requirement and our digital radios continue to evolve with more repeater stations both in vehicles and on land, assisted by the Starlink capability at Wasdale Head. We have also improved resilience and speed by routing our network connection at base through another Starlink connection. When we looked at our onboarding and offboarding process for members, it became very evident how many IT systems we have now. Our thanks must go to the IT and communications team who work diligently behind the scenes making sure we have the tools to do the job and fixing things when they inevitably go wrong.

Last year we reported that it cost about £95k excluding depreciation to run the team for a year and this year that amount has increased to about £102k. Admittedly, some of the costs in both years include clothing and other equipment which is expected to last (much) more than one year, but costs post-pandemic seem to have reached a new normal state that is significantly more than the £70-75k figures that we previously quoted in public. We have managed to earn more than we have spent, and we are fortunate to have a healthy bank account with at least three years’ worth of operating expenditure as reserves in addition to earmarked reserves for future vehicle replacement. Thanks must go to our fundraising team and others who have helped to

bring in the much-needed funds: this includes attending functions and events throughout the year to gain and receive these funds, and thanks must also go to those involved in our team’s financial governance.

Lake District Rescue aired on More4 and then Channel 4 this year with Series 1 covering 4 episodes including several WMRT rescues. Regularly, the team is asked about the series when on callouts and at shows: the series really seems to have raised the profile of mountain rescue to showcase what we do and reinforce several messages. A possible Series 2 and other channels of communicating outside of the team are in discussion with the producers, Summer Films. As mentioned last year there is a considerable workload in providing press releases, dealing with the media, handling public visits to the base, and providing a constant flow of social media content across several platforms. Thanks to those involved with all these outward communications which showcase the great work that this team does on a 24/7/365 basis, to a wide audience, increasing awareness and helping to bring in the funding and goodwill that the team needs to continue.

As regards members, many congratulations go to Penny Kirby for her MBE awarded at the start of the year, which is a fabulous achievement and a culmination of over 40 years of mountain rescue including significant service with search dogs. Sadly, during the summer, we all had to say good bye to Joss Naylor MBE. We are proud to say that he was a vice-president of our team, and he very kindly did us the honour of opening Longlands base in 2018. Typical of the character that he was, he did not choose a pair of scissors to cut the ribbon but rather a pair of sheep shears to cut baler twine! Congratulations go to Dave Willey for 50 years’ service, Jake Manson for 20 years’ service, and Dave Kennedy for 20 years’ service.

I would like to thank our elected and co-opted officers who have worked tirelessly to maintain our effectiveness as a team during another very busy year of rescues and training, as well as all those who have contributed in any way. Finally, thanks must also go to families and friends. They often must pick up the pieces on callouts, and this help is invaluable: please pass on our thanks.

John Bamforth

Chair

Secretary’s Report

2024 has been another increasingly busy year for the team and for the supporting activities outside of our call-out operations.

Looking back at my 2023 report, I suggested that my style of carrying out one aspect of this role - recording meetings - I made more difficult than it needed to be. I am not sure that 2024 has seen an improvement in this area.

All the ‘extra jobs’ in the team are ever-expanding. More people than ever contact the team for a whole host of reasons, and all with good intentions. Thanks to all members that support our interaction with the public in many ways.

The membership has again seen change this year. A new programme was introduced following the 2023 attendance review to allow some members to continue training with the team and rejoin the callout list later in the year. Having sat independently through much discussion on this subject, I would like to note how much effort trustees invested in this area. I look forward to the team’s continued ‘contribution conversation’ and the working party on this subject and others.

Thank you to John for keeping the website up to date and to our social media team. Engagement with the team is increasingly via social media and this will only likely continue. The use of donations via social media is something trustees often discuss at meetings to get the balance right. It is this aspect which has led us to consider the future of, for example, the ‘Supporters Club’. The engagement with the members of the club has been very limited given the efforts required elsewhere and combined with the volume of information about the team’s activities on social media, trustees have decided that we will look to wind-down the club.

I wish to extend my thanks to those members who continually support the work of the secretary – you know who you are – and I’m extremely grateful. Given the increasing level of responsiveness required of the team’s secretary, I feel that I’m probably not the right member for the job anymore. I will therefore be looking to hand over the role during 2025. However, should this be of interest to the incumbent, I will continue to record minutes of meetings – hopefully taking away one routine aspect of the job, allowing them to focus on the other aspects of the role. Please let me know if you are interested.

Graham Hogg

Secretary

Duty Team Leader’s Report

We have had another busy year, the number of callouts currently at 160 (17.11.2024). Looking at the statistics, in line with previous years, there has been a predominance of leg and ankle injuries, the majority on Scafell Pike, as ever. We have had a few people crag fast, and a few callouts where we used the boat, as well as drones and our search dog. There have also been the usual large number of lost/missing/overdue. Not all callouts have been in the hills, and we have been called to assist NWAS a few times.

We have had help from other teams, especially Duddon & Furness, and been able to help other teams on occasion. We have also had a lot of help from the air ambulances and coastguard helicopters. We have helped to save more lives, extricated injured walkers, reunited lost folk with their families, and those we couldn’t help directly have been treated with care and dignity, and their friends and families with compassion.

We have worked with many other agencies, amongst them Cumbria Police, NWAS, ARCC, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Helimed, Fire and Rescue Service, Coastguard, WCSAR and Inshore Rescue. We have had productive conversations with the National Trust, which have resulted in some developments aimed at reducing the number of callouts. The conversations are to continue at a local and regional level. MREW are also exploring how the increasing workload is impacting rescuers all over the country and how this might be addressed.

Some team members have attended conferences, given talks to the public, hosted visits to the base, attended local shows and fund-raising events, and helped on the annual Flag Day. Many thanks to them, especially Anne and Sam who look after our fund-raising. Thankyou to John and Susan Noake for, amongst many other things, dealing with all the donations that come in, responding to the donors, and sending Christmas cards. John and Susan have also organised not one, but two, training weekends away, one in Scotland and one in Wales, which were well received. Other team members helped run the training.

Other members have attended external training in addition to team training. We have new boat drivers, new blue light drivers, new SRT’s and new Casualty Carers – now RRMT’s

We took on 6 new probationers at the beginning of the year and they have been a great asset to the team already, we look forward to them becoming full members in the New Year. And we have said goodbye to some others, and we thank them for their time and commitment over the years.

The filming that took place last year resulted in a series of 4 1-hour long episodes on Channel 4, featuring Coniston and Keswick teams, and us. It was screened earlier this year and repeated a couple of months ago, this appears to have been very well received by the public. There may be a further series.

Thankyou to the many people who help out in so many other ways, whether or not they have a “job title” – training, especially Lucy and Tariq who put in an amazing amount of time and energy, finances, with a special thanks to John Bamforth for his efforts in securing yet another significant grant from the Mid-Copeland GDF Community Partnership, equipment, clothing, vehicles and boat, wellbeing, media, IT and comms, recruitment, building maintenance, base operators, catering, in addition to attending our training and ever increasing callouts. We could not function

otherwise. And thankyou to the Trustees who deal with the more unseen aspects of team management such as insurance, risk registers, byelaws and policies.

We must also thank members of the public, local farmers, hoteliers, especially the staff at Wasdale Head Inn, who go out of their way to help casualties, and in doing so, help us.

And last but not least, despite the phenomenal increase in callouts, we have amazing, continued commitment from team members, and by definition, their families and partners as well, thankyou. Team members are our number one resource, and we cannot stress enough how appreciative we are of your time and commitment. Many, many thanks.

Penny Kirby MBE

On behalf of the Duty Team Leaders

Medical Officer’s Report

Callouts

Medical/trauma have made up 35% of all callouts. Most cases have involved injuries with ankle trauma continuing to take the top spot, up from 16 to 21 this year.

Medical Trauma
Cramp 5 Ankle 21
Cardiac Arrest 2 Arm 3
Dizziness 2 Chest/Ribs 1
Heart Attacks(MI) 0 Pelvis 4
Heat Exhaustion 1 Shoulder 6
Heat Stroke 0 Lower limb 7
Hypothermia 1 Head 11
Seizures 1 Other 13

Equipment

The team appeared pleased to take possession of the Easy Pulse a mechanical cardiopulmonary (CPR) device which weighs in at 3.5kg. Somewhat different to the previous device which weighed in at 15kg!

Working with other teams

The new year began with a trip out to visit the RNLI crew at St Bees.

The crew made us very welcome and showed us all the kit they use when deployed. It was interesting to share experiences and to understand some of the unique challenges the RNLI face. This year we are combining with Duddon and Furness MRT to run the Remote Rescue Medical Technicians (RRMTs) assessments. Each team has shared a ‘show and tell’ session with regards to medical and other kit.

Wasdale is committed to sharing medical training equipment with other MR teams and we hope to continue to work in a collaborative and supportive way.

Training

Course % members trained
BLS/AED 100
OFA 39(excluding RRMTs)
Stopthe Bleed ® 67
ROLE 30
RRMT 40

There is a comprehensive training programme throughout the year. Dr Qureshi continues to lead on the RRMT training, Stop the Bleed and ROLE (Recognition of life extinct). Mike Smith delivers a high quality outdoor first aid course and we have other guest speakers dropping in over the year.

In March 2025 we hope to host an MREW Instructor course for RRMT training at base. This has been developed by Dr Alistair Morris (Medical Director for MREW) and Kate Denning (Educator). This will be for all LDSAMRA teams.

Supporting RRMTs

We are going to trial a rolling training programme for our RRMTs. This will involve regular casualty care practice sessions and opportunities to tackle any areas that they may wish to develop further. This is in addition to the Medical Mondays.

Medical is very much a team approach and thank you as always to Dr Qureshi, Iain Proctor-Dow, all the RRMTs who help with training but also deliver high quality care on the hill. All the team members are involved in some way – thank you.

Lucy Belson

Medical Officer

Treasurer’s Report

The accounts for the year to 30 September 2024 are being finalised and thanks must go to Emma Woodend and Jason Spires of Robinson & Co. for preparing them.

Overview

Firstly, thanks to John Noake for all his accounting for transactions, and to Sue Noake for her assistance. Thanks also to the fundraising team of Anne Guest and Sam Stalker plus others for their efforts in bringing valuable funds in.

The accounts for the 12 months to 30 September 2024 show a surplus of £28.5k, being £179.4k of income less a grant of £25.0k, direct expenses of £64.4k and overheads of £61.6k.

Income

Of the £136.5k donations received in the year, significant single donation banking amounts are:

Of the £19.9k grants received, £10.0k was from the January and March distributions of funds from LDSAMRA, £2.4k was funding from MREW and £7.5k relates to grants released from the year 1 cash grant received from Mid-Copeland GDF Community Fund as explained later. We have also received six legacy amounts totalling £8.3k, and investment and other income totalling £14.7k.

Grant

The trustees have granted £25.0k of this year’s surplus to Duddon & Furness MRT for their new base fund in recognition of their significant operational contribution to Wasdale MRT.

Direct Expenses

Of the £64.4k direct expenses, £16.5k relates to team member equipment, £37.9k to team equipment, £9.0k to training and £1.0k to other expenses.

Team member equipment costs comprise:
Member clothing
Member equipment
Member personal allowances
Team equipment costs comprise:
Crag equipment
SRT equipment
Medical equipment
Communications kit
Other
Training costs comprise:
Outdoor first aid
Vehicle driving
Boat driving
Winter - Scotland
Crag - Wales		 £12.7k
£1.2k
£2.6k
£16.5k
£7.8k
£5.4k
£19.5k
£4.5k
£0.7k
£37.9k
£1.1k
£2.4k
£0.2k
£1.8k
£1.9k
Other
Overheads
These costs comprise:
Electricity
Travel expenses
Vehicle fuel / maintenance
Buildings maintenance
ICT
Insurance
Refreshments
Security
Depreciation
Other		 £1.6k
£9.0k
£5.8k
£1.5k
£8.6k
£5.4k
£2.7k
£7.0k
£3.8k
£1.4k
£24.4k
£1.0k
£61.6k

Financial Position

As at 30 September 2024 we: -

Mid-Copeland GDF Community Fund

1) In January we received £75.3k being the full year 1 grant from the Mid-Copeland GDF Community Fund as the first claim. This funded the purchase of Mobile 4, plus the Laerdal interactive manikin, satellite radios and latest defibrillators. This grant is being released to income over the life of the assets to which it relates (to offset the depreciation cost of those assets).

2) We have since been awarded a year 2 grant of £49.5k covering the purchase of additional satellite radios, infra-red monocular devices, and the refurbishment of Mobile 1 to the same specification as Mobile 4. In February we received £34.4k of this and are due to receive the balance of £15.1k in November.

Summary

Most of our substantial equipment costs have been covered by grant income and we have managed to earn £28.5k, after granting £25.0k to DFMRT.

John Noake

Treasurer

The draft accounts for the year to 30 September 2024 are as follows: -

Daip: 2811C¥2024 Time: 16'.43:43 Wasdale MounLiin Rescue Teani Profit and Loss From: To: 12. Werth 2024 Clkirt of Account&. Year to Date Sa￿$ 1&256. 627.16 136.476.52 19.921.75 8,329.14 253.63 248.76 301.57 10.451.57 2,923.28 &3rt5 L8JXy iio.ii Imi.69 18.(BX( 179.4(fj.22 25,(OJ. 25,fKQ. Qhaitst4e ExpJwJth. for chaty th¥) 316.￿) L356.87 15.C8 I6.￿7.￿1 37.W.84 XJ7.C6 9,024.46 Equi Tr3iThrrfJ 1357.45 64J56.18 Gross ProfiV(Loss): 15.T27fj3 105).( Cc6ts. W Lhjht ￿ pb 221.C 5,gN.04 1,497.26 7rJJ.52 2.678.92 14.016.48 12,220.74 557. 1.34 Manag￿* & ￿MIn . Bank CF 1033. 24.41&rxi 5,CfiIY> 61.593.36 Net profrt1{L￿5). 10,rfO.07 ¥456.69

Date: 28/1￿2024 17:11:13 Wasdale Mountain Res(ue Team Balaiice Sheet 14knth IL Scptantw 2024 th 12. SEPtLrter 2024 To: tthult cl M(axJrt5 Year to Date Fixed Assets 676.170.(KJ IIW.415.31 43W.11 (1.412.IxI) (621.￿) Veh￿leS (￿3.￿) 829.454.42 17,754.70 554,019.11 1798.T3 25.fOJ.24 Bank VAT Lthjty 17,754.70 SgIX17.( 644.74 1177. 18f￿1.15 9,155. &3nk P£cry VAT 5,f*92.79 11071.91 100x91 9,155.83 5TJ.351.19 I.402￿)5.61 Total Assets Itss (Xrrert Liabilities: LoThJ Terni UatM"fib"es CJ-8Jit(45 . TSJM (627.16) 102.158.19 (627.16) IOMO.07 IOZ158.19 lJ(1.647.42 Totsl Assds Itss Totsl Lith1itie5: I.2711￿.74 28.4￿.68 P&L￿(￿rt iO,e65.07 i0.£￿.07 l.Ml.647.42

Fundraising Officer’s Report

Events attended by WMRT

Date Event Type of Event Location Money Banked
16/12/2023
23/12/2023		 Flag Day (whole
team event)		 Collection buckets on
the street		 Egremont and
Whitehaven		 £962.07
09/04/2024 Easter Weekend
WMRT presence		 Advice and Guidance to
walkers		 Bracken Close car
park		 approx £200
19/04/2024 Egremont Farmer’s
Market		 Refreshments Stall
serving tea, coffee and
cakes		 Market Hall,
Egremont		 £1,112.95
08/06/2024 Drigg Gala WMRT merchandise stall
and M2		 Drigg £109.43
22/06/2024 Seascale Gala WMRT merchandise and
M2		 Seascale £481.33
20/07/2024 Egremont Fun Day WMRT merchandise and
M3		 Egremont £23.00
27/07/2024 RNLI Drowning
Prevention Day		 WMRT merchandise and
M3		 Whitehaven
Harbour		 £196.49
17/08/2024 Gosforth Show WMRT merchandise stall
and M2		 Gosforth £369.29
31/08/2024 Whitehaven
Harbourfest		 WMRT merchandise and
M2		 Whitehaven
Harbour		 £440.42
28/09/2024 Eskdale Show WMRT merchandise stall
and M2		 Eskdale £207.35
12/10/2024 Wasdale Show WMRT merchandise stall
and M2		 Wasdale Head £290.85
Total raised £3,244.11

Collection Boxes

Regular collection boxes come in from various locations and we are grateful to those team members who pick them up and often count the money for us, among them Basia, Mitch, Chad, Karen Blight, Jack, Jake – and Carol Holmes, who picks up all the boxes in Eskdale and Ravenglass periodically.

There are always spare collection boxes in the Fundraising cupboard in the office, so please take one if you see a full box anywhere on your daily travels. It is a great help to Sam and me if team members continue to collect for us and bring the boxes to base. Similarly, if you can see that there are none left, let me know and I can restock the cupboard.

Date Paid In
12/02/2024 £348.88
29/05/2024 £445.64
28/06/2024 £499.67
24/07/2024 £214.14
12/08/2024 £83.77
09/09/2024 £415.86
07/10/2024 £184.50
25/10/2024 £523.70
Total £2,716.16

PayPal Account

All orders for merchandise from the website go straight to the PayPal account, as do card payments at the shows. There are also regular payments from the PayPal Giving Fund via our social media pages.

Date Merchandise PayPal Giving
Fund		 Donations Outgoings
Jan-24 £184.68
Feb-24 £8.67 £44.11 £321(new neck scarves ordered)
Mar-24 £67.99 £1,449.98 £15 – Gosforth Show stand fee 1
Apr-24 £167.31 £3,394.38 £355.52 – merch and table runner
£30 Gosforth Show stand fee 2
May-24 £2.76 £42.76
Jun-24 £13.55 £497.81
Jul-24 £29.61 £22.50
Aug-24 £21.95 £62.58
Sep-24 £15.32 £1,033.34
Oct-24 £31.63 tbc
Totals £358.79 £6,732.14 £721.52
Total paid into PayPal account: £7,090.93
The balance in the PayPal account currently stands at £16,550.59

Donations

Donations have been received from various casualties and their families, as well as Ravenglass Craft Fayre which amounted to approx. £1100.

Donations are paid into the Cumberland Building Society account and some are made through the Treasurer who has more details.

Joss Naylor’s sculpture raised over £1000 at auction and miniature editions will be on sale soon.

Conclusion

There have been significantly more fundraising events for us to attend this year and consequently our takings have gone up. Once again, we thank a handful of people who regularly help us at these events. We can’t do it without you.

John Hryb has proposed an event in the spring featuring the band Kickstart from Holmrook. Sam and I are looking into suitable marquees/gazebos to accommodate them at base.

Anne Guest Sam Stalker

Fundraising Officers

Vehicle Officer’s Report

A big thank you to all of you who have driven the vehicles safely, kept them clean and tidy, and for reporting any issues. An extra mention to all who have helped me during the last year; Lucy Belson and Mike Smith, who have given me many lifts, Dave Allery for technical assistance, Lee Tunstall, Jack Bavister and Alan Blight for practical help, and Dan Pocock for advice on tyres. Apologies if I have forgotten anyone.

The Team now to operates with the support of four vehicles, which have between them the capacity to carry 24 team members. It was rare that all four were deployed together during a full call-out, leaving spare capacity to attend a second incident; this occurred several times during the year.

Mobile 1 , a Toyota Hilux is now over eleven years old, with a total mileage of 21425, and has done 874 miles so far this year (2200 in 2023) and was used significantly fewer times this year - 26 compared to 75 in 2023. It is showing some signs of wear, and work has been initiated to refurbish it, and to bring it up to a similar specification as Mobile 4. Once this is complete, there is no reason to not keep it for at least another five years.

Mobile 2 , our Land Rover Defender is now fifteen years old, with a total mileage of 29318, has done 1287 miles so far this year (1400 in 2023). In particular, it continues to be invaluable for boat deployments and is a great PR asset, and was used on 28 callouts, compared to 32 in 2023. The vehicle was fitted with new tyres and a set of alloy wheels which were kindly donated to the team. It should remain part of our fleet for as long as possible.

Mobile 3 , a Ford Tourneo Custom, has the capacity to ferry up to nine members to call-outs, and has also been used for attending training events and general transport. The vehicle is now over nine years old, with a total mileage of 25893, has done 3642 miles so far this year (3300 in 2023)

and has been used on 39 callouts compared to 45 in 2023. Looking forward, we have received funding to replace this vehicle, and work is to be initiated in 2025 to do this. It has continued to be plagued by electrical problems which culminated in the vehicle breaking down and having to be recovered. During the year, there were several incidents resulting in minor damage; two small knocks resulting in minor body work damage which were judged to be not worth fixing (the insurance excess is £1500); a tyre was damaged on a call-out; and the windscreen had to be replaced under insurance after it sustained a crack. Can I re-enforce to everyone the need to be on the look-out for damage and to report it immediately.

Mobile 4 , a Toyota Hilux has earned its spurs this year and become the favoured response vehicle . It now has a total mileage of 4309, with 2924 miles so far this year (1200 in 2023, but that was not a full year) and was used on 62 callouts, compared to 10 in 2023. It has proved reliable, however, as with all modern diesel engines, the exhaust has a regenerative particulate filter, which can be inconvenient to use, and has once become blocked and had to be professionally cleaned. This is likely to recur. There was also a fault on the airbags, which was mended under warranty. We received confirmation from MREW that we cannot tax this vehicle as an ambulance – this will be true of all new vehicles going forward.

All the vehicles continue to be regularly maintained with checks carried out every three months by Riverside Garage in Holmrook. Any faults have been minor in nature, and promptly dealt with. All vehicles have passed their annual MOT and have been taxed and insured. In total the vehicles have been driven 8727 miles, compared to 8151 in 2023 and deployed a total of 155 times to date, compared to 162 in 2023.

I have decided it is now the right time to stand down and give somebody else the opportunity to take this job on. I’d like to thank the many people who has helped me over the last three years.

Jake Manson

Vehicles Officer

Water Officer’s Report

2024 has seen several experienced technicians decide to hang up the drysuit and be replaced with other team members who have been trained up to the same high standards with Rescue 3 Europe.

The Swiftwater technician team continue to train regularly and maintain a strong capability which meets the requirements of a DEFRA Type C team in the Water and Flood Rescue Concept of Operations.

The boat has been deployed 4 times on callouts since the last AGM and continues to be an asset in rescues in and around the lake. The boat has also been deployed several times on full team exercises and to provide boat drivers additional driving experience.

Good Nearlythere Needs work
Qualification Current Number Ideal Number Changes from
last month
Swiftwater rescue technicians 13 18 +2
Advanced level technicians 7 8 0
Technicians trained in rescues
from a flooded vehicle		 0 10 0
Swiftwater instructor 1 1 0
Management of water and flood
incidents(Mod 5)		 1 1 0
DEFRA Team Commander 3 3 0

Planned Water Rescue Training – DATES FOR THE DIARY: 24/11/24 – LDSAMRA regional SRT CPD day

Kit/Equipment

No new water kit purchased recently

As always, any questions regarding water ops in the team, let me know.

Rob Stalker

Water Officer

Communication Officer’s Report

Just after last year’s AGM, I was honoured to be asked to serve as Team Communications Officer after my predecessor wished to stand down to spend more time with young family.

Hugh thanks to Rob for all his work as Officer, and his ongoing support of Team Communications along with Jon, Gareth, Hugh and Paul.

We are continuously looking for opportunities to support the Team with better communications, which can be a challenge in a remote and rugged environment. We have had a strategy of providing multiple systems to give robustness, though I feel we may have hit a limit now, constrained by what we can carry and remember how to use.

Our dedicated operational systems are currently digital and analogue radio, Zello, Satellite PTT and pagers. Zello connects our radio channels to a secure internet stream. After a long trial period, we rolled out Zello to all Team Members, which immediately proved to be a worthwhile addition to the portfolio of communication systems with a couple of call outs in areas with low radio coverage and during an unplanned repeater network connection outage. It also gives the Team the capability to speak from locations of no phone coverage directly to a Team Doctor off the hill which has proven very useful on a few occasions.

The Starlink trial at Wasdale Head has performed well, significantly improved after Tim repositioned it, thanks. The Government have indicated that they will donate it to The Team at the end of the 2-year trial if we pick up the running cost. While it’s another addition to our ongoing running cost, we think it’s worth it.

We’ve also benefitted from one of our adjacent teams commissioning a new repeater, which has improved our radio coverage, but means that we are streaming more audio channels to and from base. With the increased use of the base internet connection for Zello and repeaters, we have reached the limit of the bandwidth that is currently available to us without an unsustainable increase in cost. The success of the trial has led us to invest in Starlink for our primary base internet connection which is installed pending commissioning.

Not of our doing, but a newly commissioned GSM mast in Wasdale has significantly improved Mobile phone signal coverage in our main operating area. It’s useful for the Team and will be interesting to see if it has any effect on callouts.

The team suffered our first radio handset loss since going digital this year. A radio attached to a sack as normal got blown down a hill by helicopter downwash causing irreparable damage. We also suffered electronic failures of one of our now 4 handheld Satellite PTT radios and the base antenna, both of which were replaced impressively quickly under warranty by Icom.

Overall, I believe WMRT communications capabilities are in a good position to support the team’s current and projected operational need, but the team and I will always be looking and open to suggestions for improvements.

Dave Allery

Communications Officer

Information Technology Officer’s Report

In what is a new role the first thing was to get a Role Specification agreed by the trustees – this was done and was split into 6 distinct sections:

  1. IT Infrastructure Management

  2. Technical Support and Troubleshooting

  3. Security and Data Management

  4. Project Management

  5. Technology Evaluation and Recommendations

  6. Training and Documentation

In what was a slow start to the year a lot of the small jobs such as sourcing and ordering new laptops and setting up an environment for the new Search team, keeping tabs on the Microsoft licenses and engaging in on-boarding and off-boarding of members, progress is being made with the valued help of certain subject matter experts.

More work needs to be done and the collaborative approach with the likes of the comms group will enable me and the team to get a better, easier to understand IT environment. There will be more to plan, set up and indeed buy in the new year and I thank you for your patience.

Paul Barratt

ICT Officer

Building Officer’s Report

The building has provided a great base for the team who have had another very busy year. However, as it ages more items require maintenance and repair.

Annual inspections and services to the following systems have taken place: the security and fire alarms, emergency lighting, heating, garage up and over shutter doors, CCTV and ground source heat pump and underfloor heating system.

The standby generator and fire extinguisher test are to be scheduled before the end of the year. There is a routine for regular emergency light and fire alarm tests which will continue.

Some ad hoc callouts were required during the year on an as-needed basis to rectify issues with various systems such as the garage doors. A security camera and some emergency light fittings were replaced by suitably qualified team members following the annual tests from the previous year.

There are ongoing issues for resolution in the coming weeks:

The Lowering Platform project is taking far longer than expected to be brought to site and installed. I am still pursuing the local companies who are fabricating this.

Thank you also to the members who carry out the grass cutting.

Additional projects still to be undertaken:

Hugh Redington

Building Officer

Equipment Officer’s Report

I took over from Dan Pocock in September 2024, where I have been responsible for managing the team’s crag equipment, stretchers, and other rescue accessories. The role involves sorting the various inspection requirements, purchasing new equipment, and liaising with equipment suppliers. Dan left this in an exceptional position for me to take over, everything had been logged on D4H and was all up to date, after discussion with Dan there was some additional people added to help with carrying out this work:

Titan stretcher – this is in full use now living in M4, with its new Tirrol handles and wheel, it has been successfully tested on several incidents, its still evolving, new stretcher straps to try from Lyon, these are on order and will be tested to see if these are suitable, there is a new wheel on the market with a disc brake on the wheel, in the process of organising Ferno to come to base and trail this with us. New Titan stretcher and accessories have been ordered and will go in M1 so this will make M1 & M4 identical. The plan for stretchers will be 2 Titan (M1 & M4) & 2 Bells (M2 + Spare), with the spare Titan going back to SRT but can be used in the event all our stretchers have been deployed.

The team is continuing to successfully use D4H to log all Equipment, incidents and going forward will be used to solely track qualifications and competencies. Equipment inspections continue in the background, I’d like to thank the team for their ongoing support, especially those who regularly give up extra time to help with equipment inspections (namely Chris Adams, Ian Davidson, Dan Shepherd, Rob Stalker, Gareth Platt & Stuart Rushton) – this is greatly appreciated.

New rucksacks for the Cas Bags have been ordered and are currently getting badged up so should be with us soon. The replacement synthetic belay jacket jointly designed by MREW and Helly Hansen, the SAR 133, have now been distributed to team members, I am hearing mixed feelings for this jacket, some members still preferring the Fitzroy, so we will see what happens with regards this jacket. Any issues regarding Clothing do speak with Andy C or the equipment officer.

I have only been in the role for a couple of months; however, I am enjoying the challenges it brings and intend to continue into 2025. I would like to thank the team for their ongoing support.

Lee Tunstall

Equipment Officer

Press Officer’s Report

2024 has continued to be exceptionally busy year of rescues for the team which will always attract significant interest from the media.

Having the highest mountain in England on our patch with over 50% of incidents on Scafell Pike of which 60% are lost and overdue means a lot of press enquiries. Local and national papers, local and national radio, regional and national television, they all want a story and trying to avoid those awkward questions can be a challenge at times. “don’t you get angry?” ….“ is it sustainable? ” .… “is the Adventure Smart message getting through?” . However, having good relationships with the media, encouraging responsible behaviors and being non-judgmental has always been our approach and it seems to work well. It allows us to get our own messaging across whether it is fundraising, recruitment, safety messaging to reduce those 60% Scafell Pike lost and missing or just a big thanks to our community.

Spring 2024 saw the final launch of the Summer Films production, Lake District Rescues for Channel 4. The four 60 minute episode series covering the work of the wider Cumbrian teams heavily featured on our own team being filmed during our busiest period in May 2023 when we had 28 callouts in 4 weeks. The overall feedback was extremely positive, showed the team in its best light and has seen an increase in donations. It was initially aired on All4 and More4 but due to audience interest, the series was repeated in late summer on Channel 4’s main platform and was viewed by an audience of over 1 million for each episode. There is continued interest and moves afoot for something similar in 2025 if our team remains willing to participate.

One press and social media project that worked well this year was working with the National Trust and Fix the fells following a near fatal incident in Piers Gill early this year. The outcome has been the installation of National Trust signage and chain barriers within the upper reaches of the gill to prevent walkers wrongly deciding it is a safe route off Scafell Pike.

Our team leaders have appeared in several TV interviews throughout the years. They present our work and issues very well and add operational realism to interviews that press officers sometimes cannot quite deliver. Not an easy task for the team leaders but always well executed so thank you. Also, a big thanks to all team members who have helped with the photographs, the videos, the social media posts and indeed in the opportunities we get for reconstructions. Special thanks to our social media colleagues who have a devil of a job keeping up with the flood of incidents and to Chad who continues to share the media workload with his engaging style. All this support continues makes the job of a press officer so much easier to do.

Richard Warren

Press Officer

Training Officer’s Report

Firstly, please could I extend my appreciation to all those who have helped out over the past 11 months in support of team training and especially those who have attended with enthusiasm and the willingness to participate, it makes a big difference.

It was my intention to produce a training calendar based upon maintaining the basics whilst supporting the development of capability within the team. A training calendar that can be used year on year with only slight changes required by future Training Officers. It was also important that I try and make sure that training was carried outside whatever the weather conditions and that we all were finished and enroute home to our families by 9:00 pm. To lessen the impact as well on our families and team members I made the decision to cancel all training during the months of July and August as these are generally our busiest months and all members will be getting plenty of on-the-job training. The exception to this was Operations Reviews, an opportunity where we can get together to talk about the jobs that month whilst sharing learning and discuss ways to which we can do things better.

Team training as usual has followed the four-weekly rotation with Core being CPD training loosely following the MREW guidelines of what each full operational team member should be skilled and knowledgeable at, whilst also aligning to our seasonal requirements and preparing all member for the Summer onslaught. Specialist training nights have focussed on the team’s additional capabilities, such as skills in the crag environment, off road driving, operating in and around the team boat, etc. I have also organised as part of this year’s calendar several scenario evenings, live running of a tasking with the focus of providing opportunities for team members to carry out roles that they normally don’t get the opportunity to get involved with but in a safe environment. These scenarios have normally kicked off at 4:00 pm in the afternoon so that our ATLs get the opportunity to run with it and make decisions for themselves developing their own style of working. Thank you to COMRU, WCSAR and the Stalkers who got involved in varying capacities to provide realism with joint agency working and provision of fake casualties that we don’t normally see.

I kept probationary training following the same programme as full team members as much as possible, with only a couple of exceptions. However, it was important to provide our new members with the right opportunities early on, so that would put them in the right place to be able to join the rest of the team on the hill for April. During this period, they were able to make it up to Scotland with other team members to learn some basic Winter skills and an opportunity to start building strong bonds with each other and those longer serving members. Thank you as always to John and Sue Noake for organising this excellent weekend. Our new members also had an opportunity to spend an evening at the Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project being taught how to safely use their PPE whilst also learning basic belaying skills. Thak you to Steve Walter for helping to organise this valuable session and I hope that he will be able to do this again for next year’s cohort of new members.

We haven’t had many team members on externally arranged training courses this year, but those that did included boat driver training, courses provided by Cumbria Police and a Party Leader Training that a couple of our members are due to attend in the next couple of weeks and next year. Also, well done to Rob Stalker who provided his first Swift Water Tech course, it’s great to see this instructional ability being brought into the team strengthening our water rescue capability.

Something worth mentioning on its own is the team’s first trip away to practice Summer skills over in North Wales. Although I didn’t manage to attend this weekend, I saw the photos and heard very positive feedback from those who went. Thank you to Ian Davidson and those who help arrange this, I hope this is a regular annual event.

Although, our Medical Officer will be providing her own report, I think it is important that we recognise Lucy Belson and Dr Tariq Qureshi for their untiring devotion to maintaining this team’s medical capability. I personally believe they have developed WMRT into the flag ship for Casualty Care with a team of confident, caring, and skilled Remote Rescue Medical Technicians who save lives.

Finally, Wasdale puts a lot of focus on training and the development of its members. I like to think that we all recognise the importance on how this contributes to us being able to carry out our mission safely and professionally in some quite unforgiving terrain. We are a part of one of the busiest teams in the country and the ability to commit up to another 150 hours of your personal time in the development of yourselves and others is outstanding. Thank you all for turning up as you have done, and I hope you have all found your Monday nights informative and fun.

Phil Hall Training Officer

Wellbeing Officer’s Report

Dear team,

This year in wellbeing we've been making sure all team members are being considered in their own personal wellbeing and that the wellbeing of the team as a whole is also being thought of.

The wellbeing group have looked at well-being wheels like the one in the circle diagram below. With these we've thought through different areas of the life of the team (such as our purpose, humour, self-esteem, team work etc.) and given them a score out of ten. These scores have then led to helpful discussions about anything on the horizon which might impact them and any practical steps we can take to strengthen or improve them. One area of interest was the attendance review through which we then sought to offer a listening ear and support to those involved in it.

We also wanted to ensure individual team members had access to tools to enable them to reflect on their own wellbeing in the life of the team. So we introduced the "stress continuum" which is below. These tools give us chance to reflect on our own wellbeing and, most importantly, to consider which direction we are facing or heading. These have also been provided along with contact numbers and a "check-in" system for every member of the team so they have points of contact should the continuums raise any cause of concern.

As a wellbeing group we remain thankful for the many and varied ways all team members are taking consideration of, and care over, the wellbeing of one another and will be seeking to nurture and develop what already exists in the life of the team over the coming months.

Paul Kerry

Wellbeing Lead

Recruitment and Probationer Officer’s Report

In January 2024 we recruited six new probationers to our 12-month training programme. All six have continued throughout the year attending both training and callouts and have adapted well. They were all assigned a mentor at the start of the year who have been assisting them with completing their competences and being a one-to-one contact.

The recruitment process for 2025 commenced late summer with applications being taken for January 2025 start. From these applicants nine have been chosen for interview and all interviews to be completed by end of October. The next stage will be the final hill walks in November prior to selection.

I have stepped down in the recruitment / probationer lead role and Sue Noake has kindly taken over. I have enjoyed this role over the past few years, and it's been very rewarding seeing so many of the current team progressing through this system and becoming valuable team members.

I would just like to personally thank the whole team for your support in all aspects of the probationers’ development and would like you to extend this going forward as Sue continues in the role.

Mark Harrison

Recruitment Officer

Incidents

These incidents have been kindly reproduced from the Team website (http://www.wmrt.org.uk) and represent events up to and including Saturday 16[th] November 2024. It should be noted that the reporting date for the team is that of calendar years. Incidents between the last AGM on 27 November 2023 and 31 December 2023 are reported separately later.

Number of '999' calls for the calendar year to date = 160 which includes 100 with the team on the fell and 60 alerts, where the incident was reported in as a '999' but there was no need for any significant team involvement and therefore not formally logged as an incident - this is where, for example, the Team Leader talks them off the mountain with minimal team member involvement or missing persons turn up before the team is fully mobilised. Since the last AGM there have been 167 incidents of which 104 were callouts and 63 were alerts.

1. Cumbria - Full Callout - 00:35 Mon 1st Jan 2024

A very sad start to the New Year. We were asked to support Penrith MRT for a large scale search in the North Pennines, along with many other Lakes MRT teams and other agencies. Two land search teams and the drone team were deployed to assist. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with family and friends. Penrith Mountain Rescue Team Callout 38 Date: 31st December 2023 Start time: 17:45 Location: Cross Fell, North Pennines Incident Type: Search Other Agencies: Kirkby Stephen MRT, Kendal MRT, Wasdale MRT, Patterdale MRT, Cockermouth MRT, Langdale MRT, Duddon and Furness MRT, Keswick MRT, Lake District Search Dogs, SARDA England, GNAAS, HMCG, Cumbria Police, NWAS Cumbria police contacted the team on New Years Eve in response to a report of an overdue fell runner. The team mobilised and began a search through the night along the runner's planned route of Dufton to Hartside and back. Team members from Penrith, Kirkby Stephen and Kendal searched through into the early hours across the north Pennines. The search resumed at first light, with extra resources called in from across the lakes teams and northern England including search dogs and drones. Searching continued until a find was made by a police helicopter around midday on New Years Day. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Edward. Many thanks to the other teams, services and individuals who contributed and assisted with this 24 hour operation. 26 Penrith Mountain Rescue Team 13 Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team 7 Kendal Mountain Search & Rescue Team 5 Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team 10 Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team 7 Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team 4 Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team 6 Keswick Mountain Rescue Team 4 Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team (LAMRT) 3 Lake District Mountain Rescue Searchdogs 5 Search and Rescue Dogs Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England 3 LDSAMRA Drones Great North Air Ambulance Service HMCG Rescue 199 North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust Cumbria Police

2. Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike - Alert - 02:28 Mon 1st Jan 2024

Another call was received early on New Year’s Day about a lone walker who was lost on the descent from Scafell Pike, heading towards Piers Gill rather than the tourist path to Brackenclose. He was very cold, wet and concerned for his safety. Fortunately the Team Leader was able to locate the walker using Phonefind and then provide guidance to give confidence to the walker that he was moving in the right direction. Further Phonefinds at regular intervals prevented the need for team members to be deployed on the fell. A good outcome, given the planned deployment of help to Penrith MRT several hours later. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

3. Walkmill, Whitehaven - Full Callout - 10:56 Mon 1st Jan 2024

In the third callout of the day, Cumbria Police requested support to search for a missing person. The Team Leader initially requested the drone team, who were able to be released from the Penrith MRT search and travel back by that point. A full callout was subsequently made for a detailed ground search. Fortunately, some time afterwards we received the good news that the police had located the missing person elsewhere and the team stood down and returned to base.

4. Scafell Pike - Alert - 16:58 Tue 2nd Jan 2024

A brief alert yesterday when a walker had run out of charge on his phone having previously messaged to a family member that he was lost in the mountains. A photo sent earlier suggested Wast Water as a backdrop. With not much information to work with to plan a search, a further call to say that the walker had made his own way down and was in the car was gratefully received, and the team was stood down. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

5. Red Gill, Scafell - Full Callout - 23:33 Wed 3rd Jan 2024

We have a tail to tell with our latest callout. Cumbria Police alerted us to a report from a concerned family member. A group of two male walkers, plus a dog (Dexter) had failed to make contact from an intended walk up Scafell Pike and were overdue. Due to the weather conditions, and real potential for hypothermia, a full callout was made and additional support gained from Duddon and Furness MRT and the Lake District search dogs. No contact was able to be made by mobile phone, so we did not have any real leads as to which areas to search. Search teams were sent via the normal routes in Wasdale and Eskdale. The team sent to Sty Head were clearly barking up the wrong tree and found nothing. Other teams were poodling around for some time with nothing heard or seen. However, the search team in Hollow Stones heard a woof and a howl in response to their whistles, and so we finally had a Scooby Doo. The hunt was on. A light was seen high on the flanks of Scafell, but due to the mist it was very difficult to tell exactly where. Dogged determination kept the teams searching in Lord’s Rake, up Black Crag and in Red Gill. Finally a clear line of sight could be made and fortunately the group was thankfully found to be a dogfast rather than cragfast, on steep ground but manageable with care. Dexter, the 40kg Doberman/Belgian Malinois cross had decided not to move any further on nightfall, despite much encouragement. The walkers were uninjured, cold, and had not wanted to leave their dog on the fell. They were equipped well enough to spend an unplanned night on the fell, and we found that Dexter was trained to bark and howl, thus initially attracting our attention. Other rescuers harnessed the energy to make the hard pull up to their location but no amount of encouragement could make Dexter move downhill. The agreed course of action was to wait for daylight and hope that he regained his confidence to move downhill with better visibility. As such, bivvy shelters were deployed for all, and a long paws ensued. After a woof night, as dawn broke, further attempts were made but Dexter stood fast. As hope was fading a last ditch attempt was made with a 50m rope lead and he was gently encouraged downhill . Thankfully once he started moving there were no further problems and a brisk, boisterous and friendly walk with Dexter was then made back to Brackenclose. The team wearily were recalled to base and the vehicles were reset. A friendly team member had kindly played fetch with breakfast butties from the local shop. After gratefully consuming these, the team returned home for a lie down. We’d like to thank Duddon and Furness MRT and Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs for their rapid response to an initially urgent search.

6. Wind Gap, Pillar - Full Callout - 14:29 Sat 6th Jan 2024

We were alerted by Cumbria Police about a paraglider who had tumbled 50m down steep scree at Wind Gap after a failed launch. He had suffered pelvis and leg injuries. Initially we asked for support from Cockermouth MRT as they can access this location more easily however shortly after agreeing to help they needed to respond to another call-out in their area. Due to the location and likelihood of serious injuries a Coastguard helicopter was also requested and Rescue 199 from Prestwick was dispatched quickly. They reached the scene and winched their paramedic to the scene to begin treatment. The helicopter then ferried Wasdale MRT team members to the scene to support. The injured paraglider received strong pain relief and was transferred carefully into the vacuum mattress for full body stabilisation. Once in the stretcher the paraglider was winched into the helicopter and flown to hospital to continue his treatment. We wish the casualty well with a speedy recovery from his injuries. Our thanks go to Cockermouth MRT and Rescue 199 for their swift responses.

7. Broad Crag Col, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 12:54 Sun 7th Jan 2024

We were called by Cumbria Police about a lone walker who was unable to walk due to pain in both thighs on the initial descent from Scafell Pike summit. He was becoming cold having stopped in the exposed terrain. Due to a possible stretcher carry a full team callout was made. Duddon and Furness MRT were also asked for availability due to slightly low numbers for a long carry off the fell. Fortunately two team members were already on the hill in different locations, but both agreed to change their plans and divert to assess the situation and see if they could help. Once on scene, the walker was assessed and it was decided to attempt to walk slowly down to Wasdale Head. Fortunately this was possible and the two team members escorted the walker to the Wasdale Head Inn for some replenishment of calories, hydration and to arrange a taxi for onwards transport. We’d like to thank Duddon and Furness MRT for their willingness to help once again, and particularly to the numerous groups of passing walkers who seemed to assist in the initial stages.

8. Broad Stand, Scafell - Full Callout - 15:04 Sun 7th Jan 2024

Team members were relaxing and enjoying the conditions and stunning views following the good news that the walker from Incident No.7 was able to walk off the fell, when a second call was received from the police. Three people were reported to be stuck on steep and icy ground on Scafell. The coordinates from the police call confirmed that they were on Broad Stand, a black spot and very hazardous terrain for walkers, especially in winter conditions. This is a location for many serious incidents over the years. As we had team members on the fell and in the valley already they were able to re-task, alongside additional team members volunteering with the new callout request. Duddon and Furness were asked to standby again. On the ascent it was established that one of the walkers had managed to ascend Broad Stand

and was now safely off the fell, leaving two people to rescue. A Coastguard helicopter was requested and Rescue 199 duly attended. Unfortunately, patchy cloud and a light snow shower made conditions too dangerous to attempt a winch pick-off and so they returned to base, leaving a rope rescue to be undertaken. A spotter team at Mickledore maintained communications with the party whilst safe rope access was established for two team members to descend. Once on scene, the walkers were given warm clothing, food, helmets, harnesses, spikes and plenty of reassurance. The ascent to the top of Broad Stand was successfully made before a further warm in a bivvy shelter. The long descent into the valley and back to the vehicles was then completed before transferring in a team vehicle to family in the Wasdale Head Inn. Thanks to the crew Rescue 199 and to Duddon and Furness MRT. We hope the walkers recover quickly from their predicament. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

9. Scafell Pike - Alert - 17:47 Fri 19th Jan 2024

As the team were travelling to the Wasdale Head Inn last Friday for the team annual dinner, an alert was received for two walkers lost and cold on Scafell Pike. However, our friends from Duddon and Furness MRT were covering for the evening and they efficiently sorted it with the help of Rescue 199. See their post below. Huge thanks DFMRT once again They are currently fundraising for a new base so any donations would be greatly appreciated. https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/donate?cid=142595...

10. Upper Eskdale - Limited Callout - 17:55 Mon 22nd Jan 2024

On Monday evening, as the team were arriving for weekly training, an alert from Cumbria Police was received. Two walkers attempting to climb Scafell Pike had strayed into Upper Eskdale and reported themselves lost, cold and in need of help. Fortunately the police call was able to establish coordinates. Unfortunately the location was in a remote situation at the edge of our operational area. That meant a long wait for the pair as the team mobilised with a hasty party taking the shorter route from Wasdale, and others via Eskdale in case they walked downhill. Once the team were on scene, after some rewarming in a bivvy shelter and extra clothing they were able to walk back down to Wasdale where their car was located. It's worth a reminder that mobile phone signal should not be relied upon in many parts of Wasdale and Eskdale. These walkers were somewhat fortunate to get enough of a signal to phone 999 at this location. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

11. Wasdale Head - Alert - 19:33 Sun 28th Jan 2024

A brief alert last Sunday evening. Four walkers and two dogs were reported overdue from a walk up Great Gable from Seathwaite. Information was being gathered by the Team Leader when a Phonefind struck lucky and got a grid reference... in the pub. The walkers had taken a wrong turn on the descent from Great Gable, ending up in the wrong valley, resulting in either an unplanned stay or a long and expensive taxi journey. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

12. Mosedale - Full Callout - 17:06 Fri 2nd Feb 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a lone male walker and his dog. The walker had suffered an ankle injury on the descent, was unable to walk and getting cold. He had been able to report via iPhone satellite emergency call. His location was about halfway up towards Wind Gap. The Team Leader made a full callout, with the first vehicle away quickly as members were already in base. Happily, shortly after leaving the vehicle at Wasdale Head a single head torch was seen. It was confirmed that this was the casualty, and he had managed a slow walk off the fell after all. After a quick assessment the party all made their way back to Wasdale Head and the team stood down.

13. Eskdale - Alert - 13:52 Sun 4th Feb 2024

An alert was received yesterday from Cumbria Police about walkers who were unaware of their location and were cold and wet. The location from the initial call put them on the path in Upper Eskdale and a further one a few minutes later confirmed that they were heading in the right direction and not too far from the road. The situation was monitored by the Team Leader until confirmation was received that the party was safe and well and off the fell. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

14. Piers Gill, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 18:28 Sun 4th Feb 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who was requesting help for herself and also because she could not contact her partner for several hours. They had split up close to the summit, with the male walker ascending the final stretch in the mist, intending to return within a short time. When the male walker failed to return, and after a phone call saying that he had lost the path and was scrambling down on steep ground the informant was increasingly concerned when no further contact was possible. The Team Leader made a full callout and also asked a team member in the valley to travel direct to help the informant off the hill and obtain further information. At this point she had almost made it back to Brackenclose. With lots of uncertainty, and the possibility of a search over a large area, Duddon and Furness MRT was asked to search the paths in Eskdale. Additionally two search dogs were given taskings. With 27 pairs of boots (and eight paws) on the ground in both valleys, the teams made their way uphill. After a couple of false alarms, a Wasdale hill party heard shouts from Piers Gill. On further careful investigation over the edge, a light was seen and soon it was confirmed that the walker was in a precarious position at the bottom of the gill. Fortunately he was able to stand and shout back to team members. All Wasdale parties converged and proceeded to set up rope access to enable team members to safely descend. Once on scene the walker was confirmed to have taken a few tumbles, and was soaking wet, but after some warming, food and extra clothing he was able to manage an assisted climb out of the gill. Once back on safe ground, he was further assessed and debriefed. He had suffered many abrasions from scrambling, slipping and sliding down treacherous ground on the descent in the gill. Due to this it was decided to take the longer but safer route back up to Lingmell Col before descending finally to Brackenclose. An ambulance was also requested as a precaution to further assess the walker. At Brackenclose, the two walkers were finally reunited, before being taken to hospital for a full assessment. The teams returned to their respective bases to reset the vehicles in readiness for the next callout. This was a great outcome given the location. We wish the walkers a full recovery from their ordeal. Huge thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT and to the team members of Lake District Mountain Rescue Searchdogs for their swift help once again. A special thanks also to the Wasdale Head Inn for showing tremendous kindness and support to team members and the informant walker during a tense wait for news from the hill.

15. Mickledore, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 09:11 Sat 10th Feb 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police yesterday morning. A walker had slipped and taken a significant tumble fall in Foxes Tarn gully on the descent from Scafell. He had sustained a head injury which was bleeding heavily, and felt like he could lose consciousness. A full callout was made quickly. Helimed 58 also lifted but was unable to land due to the weather conditions with cloud unhelpfully hanging over the Scafell summits. Coastguard helicopter support was requested and Rescue 199 responded from Prestwick. Again weather thwarted attempts to directly access the casualty, and so an offer to move team members up the hill as far as possible was gratefully received. Two passing walkers, including a former team member, had also stopped to help the walker, providing food, drink and extra clothing. Once on scene, a full medical assessment was made, before packaging the walker in a full body splint, casualty bag, heat blanket and stretcher. Rope systems were set up to manage the stretcher safely down the snowfilled Mickeldore gully towards the agreed location for the helicopter transfer. Rescue 199 then returned to the scene, landed on and then flew the walker to hospital for further medical assessment and treatment. Thanks to both helicopter crews for their help once again, and to the walkers who stopped for a long time to help. We wish the experienced and very well-equipped walker a swift recovery from his injuries and hope to see him back on the fells soon.

16. Scafell Pike - Alert - 14:55 Tue 13th Feb 2024

A brief call on Tuesday about a walker and his son, who had lost their way and descending on an unintended path. They were concerned that they were lost and not prepared for walking in the dark. As further information was being gathered the good news was received that they had made it back to their intended destination and the team was stood down. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

17. Black Sail Pass - Full Callout - 15:30 Sat 17th Feb 2024

The team was called on Saturday afternoon regarding a walker who had slipped, injuring her ankle and was unable to bear weight. Another member of the party had descended to Wasdale Head to raise the alarm in the absence of an adequate mobile signal on the fell. The team was called out and members made their way towards Black Sail Pass. Once on scene a medical assessment was made and the leg was splinted. A stretcher carry was then made to Wasdale Head where a waiting ambulance provided further assessment. We wish the walker a swift recovery from her injury.

18. Scafell Pike - Alert - 16:54 Sat 17th Feb 2024

As the first incident of the day was progressing, a further call was received from Cumbria Police. A walker had been separated on his ascent from Scafell Pike, and had not been seen or heard from for around 3 hours. Due to the conditions, the lack of additional clothing, and the fact that the team was already committed to a stretcher carry, early support for a possible search was requested from Duddon and Furness MRT. Thankfully, shortly afterwards the good news was received that the walker had made it down safely. Thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT for their willingness to help. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

19. Upper Eskdale - Full Callout - 21:28 Sun 18th Feb 2024

A call was received from North West Ambulance Service about a party of four walkers who were uninjured, lost and cold. They were struggling to find their way to safety and requested help. Coordinates were able to be converted from the 999 calls. The team was called out and mobilised to Upper Eskdale, and made their way to the given location. The walkers were found as expected, rewarmed and were then able to walk themselves back out of the valley to the team vehicles and back to base. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better.

20. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 15:08 Wed 28th Feb 2024

In the first of two callouts in quick succession, a party of 4 young and inexperienced walkers reported themselves lost, wet, cold and concerned for their safety. They had seemingly mis-navigated in poor conditions off the summit and then lost the path. The Team Leader directed them back to the summit from where a talk-off is possible, but one of the walkers was struggling to walk. As such a full callout was made for a potential stretcher carry. However, a further call was made from the party shortly afterwards with better news that they were back on a path and heading downhill in the right direction. After this no further communication was possible to confirm location or progress. It was expected that team members ascending would meet the walkers coming down but this did not occur. With concern that another wrong turn had been made, in worsening conditions, further team members were requested and Duddon and Furness MRT called to search Upper Eskdale. However as one of the additional team vehicles arrived at the car park at Brackenclose, the group were found at their vehicle having made their own way down. Somehow they had managed to accidentally avoid team members going up the fell. This was still very good news and all team members were recalled to base to warm up, refuel and overwhelm the drying room. Thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT for their help once more.

21. Piers Gill, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 00:50 Thu 29th Feb 2024

A couple of hours after the team members returned home from the previous callout, the team was called again by Cumbria Police in the early hours. A lone male walker was reported overdue by a friend, having declared an intent to climb Scafell. He had left home early the previous morning, likely setting off on the fell at about 7:30am. The police had checked car parks and located his car at Brackenclose. Very limited additional information was known, other than he had intended to return the same day before the weather deteriorated (early afternoon). With team members recovering from the previous callout, coupled with the prospect of a major search on both Scafell and Scafell Pike, (walkers often talk about Scafell but really mean Scafell Pike) the Team Leader escalated the callout to regional level, requesting support from all other Lake District teams. The poor weather of the previous day made the search urgent due to risk of hypothermia. Visibility was still poor and the temperature was forecasted to drop further through the day. An initial Wasdale party set off at 04:42, and then other teams were tasked as they arrived at base, or remotely if that saved time. Search dogs and coastguard helicopter support was also received. As the digital map began to fill with many traces of individual rescuers, a shout was heard by the Cockermouth MRT team from the bottom of Piers Gill. The team were able to access the location with a rope system. Unfortunately the walker had suffered injuries to both ankles, amongst other injuries, and as such medical treatment and evacuation by stretcher was required. He had been in the gill injured for about 24 hours by this point having mis-navigated on his descent from the summit. Other teams on the hill then migrated to the evacuation point with further medical equipment. Specialist rope rescue equipment, stretcher, and further casualty packaging was flown from the valley with additional team members by Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199. Medical assessment and treatment was given in the gill before a technical rescue was then undertaken, led by the Cockermouth team and with assistance from all the other teams present. Having done the hard bit, the normally straightforward part of either a stretcher carry or helicopter transport from the scene proved difficult. With weather conditions thwarting a helicopter extraction, and steep ground below preventing a descent by stretcher, the safest and quickest option was an uphill carry to Lingmell Col. After an energy sapping journey, also helped by a passing Assynt MRT team member, the walker was transferred into the care of the awaiting Helimed 58 crew. He was then flown to hospital for further treatment. We wish the walker a quick recovery from his injuries. We’d like to offer huge thanks to all supporting teams and agencies, including offers received later in the morning and not required. This

is an example of fantastic multiagency working (both voluntary and professional) to get the best possible outcome for the walker. As a team we are very thankful for the swift response to help.

22. Scafell - Alert - 16:39 Fri 1st Mar 2024

In the first of 4 calls from Cumbria Police in quick succession on Friday evening, two walkers reported themselves lost, very cold, wet and concerned for their safety. Their intended route was to Scafell Pike but a Phonefind located them on the flanks of Scafell just above Rakehead Crag. With decent mobile signal this allowed a talk-off downhill to Brackenclose and safety. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

23. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Alert - 16:59 Fri 1st Mar 2024

A further call from Cumbria Police involved a party of 2 walkers who were reporting themselves lost on their Scafell Pike descent. Unfortunately the Team Leader was unable to make further contact with the party by phone, but coordinates from the original emergency call was available, so their location was known. Due to the prevailing winter conditions, and lack of further contact, a search party from the team was tasked to investigate and escort off the fell if necessary. However, shortly after this request was made, contact was made with the walkers; they had managed to descend on the correct path to Seathwaite and no longer needed help. It was later confirmed that they had safely returned to their vehicle and the log was closed.

24. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 19:05 Fri 1st Mar 2024

The third call of the evening from Cumbria Police started with a similar situation to the previous one. A party of 3 inexperienced walkers were lost on their descent at exactly the same location. Their waterproofs had failed and footwear was inadequate so they were concerned for their safety. They were stuck and unable to move. Again a limited callout was made to locate and escort the party off the fell, however, shortly afterwards further information was received saying that one of the walkers was now unconscious. This escalated the matter significantly and so a full callout was made and assistance requested from Keswick MRT for help with urgent medical care and a likely stretcher carry. They further asked for support from the visiting RAF MRT teams. About 30 minutes later more information was received saying that the party was now on the move, but it was not possible to confirm if the unconscious walker had recovered and was with them. Both Keswick and Wasdale teams proceeded towards the walking party from differing directions. It was with some relief when the Keswick team met the party at Greenhow Knott and it was confirmed all were present and well. Two members of the Keswick team escorted them off the fell to Seathwaite, whilst the remaining team members diverted onto an urgent search for the final call of the day….

25. Piers Gill, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 20:14 Fri 1st Mar 2024

Part 1 - Walker rescue: Cumbria Police tasked the team for the fourth time on Friday evening. A Father was reporting his son overdue from a walk up Scafell Pike. He had reached the summit successfully at 4pm, however no contact had been possible since. As it was not known which route had been taken, a search of all of the normal car parks was undertaken, with his car discovered at Seathwaite by Keswick MRT. Due to the winter conditions including heavy snowfall at height, lone walker and his inexperience, a full callout was made for a search. Support from Keswick MRT, Duddon and Furness MRT, RAF Leeming, RAF Valley and Coastguard helicopter was requested and received quickly. As teams started their allocated search routes, a further request was made for additional resources from other Lakes teams in the morning for contingency planning. Unfortunately a key search asset Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 was unable to complete its requested search area of Piers Gill due to low cloud. As such, the Team Leader diverted two team members onto this route. Weather conditions of heavy snow and 6 to 12 inches of lying snow at height made search conditions difficult and hazardous, with some parties aborting search routes at higher elevations. At about 2am, shouts from rescuers were rewarded with a faint call back followed by a whistle. Unfortunately it was the party tasked with Piers Gill, with the walker’s location at the bottom of the gill soon confirmed by searchlight and thermal imaging scope. He confirmed that he had broken his leg and couldn’t move. His two dogs were located above a waterfall pitch from him, but both seemed fit and well (see part 2). With a technical rope rescue (likely) or helicopter winch (unlikely due to the location and conditions) now the two options, the Team Leader coordinated resources to attempt both. Rescue 936 from Caernarfon this time was tasked to help. Two team members from another search route returned to the team vehicles at Brackenclose to ready medical, stretcher and crag rescue equipment. Eight loads of equipment were required, with only two team members, so Rescue 936 agreed to uplift the rescuers and equipment as close as possible. The RAF MR teams were closest to the scene so were redirected, with a total of 13 rescuers. With the weather improving and cloud base lifting, Rescue 936 attempted to directly access the walker, but this was not possible. Then, having found a landing site at Middleboot Knotts, they returned to Brackenclose to pickup the two team members and equipment. The RAF teams collected the extra equipment from the landing site and

returned to scene. Rescue 936 left the area to refuel. A team casualty carer was then lowered via a side gully into the bottom of the gill, with further rescuers and equipment following. It was quickly established that the walker had suffered serious injuries and was very cold, but thankfully he had managed to find a small shelf to keep himself mostly out of the water. Medical assessment and treatment was given and cold wet clothing exchanged for dry in a bivvy shelter. As quickly as possible in very challenging conditions a stretcher, casualty bag, heat blankets, vacuum mattress and dual rope system was also established, and then the walker was packaged securely. The haul out of the gill was completed to the awaiting team members. Rescue 936 then returned to scene and winched the casualty, before transferring swiftly to hospital for further assessment and treatment. After the remaining team members were retrieved from the gill, equipment was packed up and the teams walked wearily back to Brackenclose. Once back at base at about noon all team members enjoyed much needed food and refreshments kindly prepared by other members. All in all, a very challenging search and rescue in winter conditions. Once more, great teamwork and support from all teams. We’d particularly like to thank the visiting RAF teams and Rescue 936 for their help on scene. We wish the walker all the best and hope he recovers quickly and fully from his injuries. All that remained was to rescue the walker’s two dogs. Additional team members with support from Duddon and Furness MRT had been obtained in the background with fresh legs ascending whilst tired ones came down. Here is a video of the rescue Part 2 - Dog rescue: Team members from Duddon and Furness MRT and Wasdale volunteered to rescue the walker’s two dogs. They were cragfast and unable to reach their owner below. As the nightshift clocked off and returned to base, the relief dayshift was heading up the fell. Once on scene, ropes were again used to keep team members safe whilst descending steep snowy ground to locate the dogs. They were encouraged gently with the lure of hotdogs back up the hill to safety and then back to base to be reunited later with family members. It would be fabulous to help Duddon and Furness MRT raise much needed funds for their new base; they were instrumental in this doggy rescue and countless others on our patch over the years when we need support. Here is a video of the rescue

26. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 15:06 Sat 2nd Mar 2024

As the team rescuing the dogs from incident 25 was returning to base, another call had been received from Cumbria Police and more team members with fresher legs had been deployed. Once again, they passed each other in opposite directions. The call was regarding a mother and son who had become stuck on the Screes path with no injuries. The well-practiced response of a boat deployment, pick-off, and transfer to the opposite shore was undertaken without incident and the team returned to base. In total, callouts were ongoing from 4:39pm on Friday to 6:11pm on Saturday evening, a true test of both the Wasdale and wider MR Team resilience.

27. Scafell Pike - Alert - 03:27 Sun 10th Mar 2024

A brief alert last night when a concerned family member phoned the police after a period of time with no communication from a group climbing Scafell Pike. Happily, shortly after the initial call, the police confirmed contact had been made and the group were safe and well. The lack of reliable mobile phone signal accounted for the delay in communications.

28. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 13:40 Sat 16th Mar 2024

We were called yesterday afternoon by Cumbria Police regarding a walker who had fallen a sustained a very painful shoulder injury. A full callout was made and additional helicopter support was requested due to the nature of the injury, weather conditions and length of time it would take for the team to reach the walker. Duddon and Furness MRT was also asked to support with a possibility of a long stretcher carry. The Helimed 58 crew was able to get onto scene relatively quickly and give treatment and strong pain relief, however, evacuation by air was unachievable due to weather conditions. The walker was therefore carefully packaged into stretcher by the MR teams and given further pain relief to allow a sledge, wheel and carry back down to the valley floor. A handover was given to the awaiting land ambulance before the walker was taken to hospital for further assessment and treatment. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope he is back on the fells soon.

29. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Alert - 20:59 Sun 17th Mar 2024

A brief alert for a walking party that was overdue in poor weather. A family member had reported to Cumbria Police. Fortunately, as the Team Leader was gathering more information, phone contact was made with one of the party. They were on the right path and not far from their destination at Seathwaite. The log was closed once it was confirmed they were off the hill and back at their car.

30. Pikes Crag, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 10:30 Mon 18th Mar 2024

The team assisted with Great North Air Ambulance Service recovering their helicopter that was stranded on callout 28. Thanks as always to the Great North Air Ambulance Service crew for their help on Saturday’s callout. Their post says it all: - Fog... a pilot's worst nightmare! When flying and landing in Cumbria's mountainous landscape, conditions can

change in the blink of an eye, especially at high altitudes. Our pilots constantly monitor the weather conditions to ensure the safety of our team, but on Saturday, while attending a call-out on Scafell Pike, a dense cloud of fog surrounded our aircraft without warning. We're unable to fly in these conditions because of poor visibility and the increased likelihood of icing, which we cannot fly in due to strict guidelines from the Civil Aviation Authority - the safety of our patients, crew, and equipment is paramount in these situations. Thankfully, the team was still able to treat the patient we flew out to, and they accompanied them in the descent down the mountain alongside Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team, but pilot Mik stayed with the aircraft to wait until a break in the clouds appeared. That break didn't come until Monday afternoon, meaning our helicopter was at the top of Scafell Pike for two days, as the weather conditions did not allow for us to take off safely. Thankfully, Mik was safely accompanied down the mountain on Sunday. We're delighted to say that The Pride of Cumbria II was brought back home safe and sound thanks to pilot Stu, who made the three-hour ascent on Monday morning. Our teams were still on call responding to incidents via our rapid response vehicles and second helicopter, ensuring people in need across Cumbria still had access to our expert doctor and critical care paramedics. Huge thanks to everyone who helped us get out of this pickle, including the mountain rescue teams, Cumbria Police and Multiflight. Sometimes, it's not what happens, it's how you respond to the situation that matters most. Find out more about what happened here, and how you can support us in ensuring our critical care cars are 24/7: https://www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/.../helicopter.../

31. Sty Head - Full Callout - 14:16 Sat 23rd Mar 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about a walker somewhere on Scafell Pike who was unable to walk to due to cramps in his legs. Due to poor mobile signal, further information was not available for some time. A full callout was made with the possibility of a search and due to conditions, a real risk of hypothermia. Eventually contact was made by the police, with the positive update that visiting off-duty MRT members from another team had come across the walker and his group and were assisting them towards Sty Head from the Corridor Route. Fortunately, after rest, shelter, food and drink, the walker was then able to re-mobilise and make his own way off the hill. Team members met the party at Burnthwaite and ensured they got back to their vehicle at Wasdale Head. Our thanks to all those that helped on the hill, we are very grateful.

32. Netherbeck, Wasdale - Full Callout - 18:21 Sun 24th Mar 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about a walker with a knee injury in a party of two. They had ascended Pillar, and were last reported to be at Wind Gap. They were considered to be overdue by a friend who also informed us that they intended to come back to Wasdale via Nether Beck. A full callout was made for a potential stretcher carry, with searchdog Jess up front starting from Nether Beck. Happily, she quickly made a find with the walkers a little off the path, walking slowly back to the road. After a quick assessment the walkers were able to complete the walk back to their car without assistance and the team stood down.

33. Mickledore, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 17:36 Thu 11th Apr 2024

Two calls from Cumbria Police were received on Thursday evening. In both cases the walkers needed help after struggling with navigation in poor weather. Coincidentally the two parties managed to find shelter in the stretcher boxes at Mickeldore and Sty Head, with simultaneous occupancy for a time. In the first callout a party of three walkers called for help at Mickledore when losing their way on the main tourist path from Scafell Pike summit. A limited callout was made and met up with the walkers in very soggy conditions. After some extra clothing and reassurance with a rope down Mickledore gully, the walkers were escorted down to Brackenclose to their own vehicle. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

34. Sty Head - Alert - 20:23 Thu 11th Apr 2024

In the second call of the evening, a party of 4 walkers required help at Sty Head stretcher box. One of the walkers had an ankle injury, and due to the very poor weather they had taken shelter inside. As the team was already tasked, Keswick MRT were asked to assist, who then also requested further support from Cockermouth MRT. Thanks to both teams for their help.

35. Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 04:23 Sat 13th Apr 2024

In two inter-twined callouts we were tasked by NWAS to rescue overdue walkers from two groups. In the first callout a single walker was reported overdue. He had joined another two walkers from a different group on the descent. The rest of the group had returned successfully to Brackenclose. As communications were difficult, two team members travelled to Brackenclose to get a better understanding of the circumstances first hand.

36. Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 08:35 Sat 13th Apr 2024

Later a separate call was received from friends of the second group in a similar position but with two of their group overdue. It was established that there was now a party of three walkers who were believed to be together but now significantly overdue. After giving some time for the walkers to walk out in the morning a limited callout was made to search the most likely location in Upper Eskdale. However, before deployment on the fell, the walkers made contact and confirmed, despite a rough night in poor weather, they were safe and well and now on the correct path to Wasdale. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

37. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 07:22 Sun 14th Apr 2024

The team was called on Sunday morning for a walker who had slipped on the descent from Scafell Pike, injuring his ankle. He was unable to bear any weight. A full callout followed, and once on scene a medical assessment was made before some pain relief and splinting of the ankle. After transfer to the stretcher the walker was transferred down to Brackenclose, where a handover was made to a land ambulance for subsequent transport to hospital. We wish the walker a swift recovery, and hope to see him back on the fell soon.

38. Wasdale Head - Full Callout - 14:08 Sun 14th Apr 2024

Another call was received on Sunday afternoon from NWAS. A member of a family group going for a short walk had slipped on wet grass and injured her ankle. She was in significant pain and unable to weight bear. With no mobile signal, members of the group had raised the alarm at the Wasdale Head Inn, fortunately only five minutes away. A full callout was made and team members were quickly on scene. After a full medical assessment, strong pain relief was given before splinting the ankle to reduce the pain. A short and straightforward stretcher journey followed before handover to a land ambulance at the road head. The team then returned to base to reset the vehicles. We hope the walker recovers quickly from her injury and wish her well.

39. Lingmell Nose - Full Callout - 16:24 Wed 17th Apr 2024

A call was received on Wednesday afternoon about a walker who was suffering from a medical issue, close to Wasdale Head on the descent from Scafell Pike. A very quick response was possible as there was a vehicle with team members already in the valley, with others responding to the full callout. Once on scene a medical assessment was made, before packaging into a stretcher. The short journey was made to the road where a handover to a land ambulance was completed, and the team returned to base. We hope the walker recovers well, and hope to see him back on the fells soon.

40. Great Gable - Alert - 17:21 Fri 19th Apr 2024

An alert was received from Cumbria Police about two walkers who were stuck on steep ground after previously ascending Great Gable. However on further investigation of the exact location via a successful Phone find it was established that they were on Base Brown. As this is well into Keswick MRT’s area, the alert was handed across to them and they subsequently brought things to a successful conclusion.

41. Broad Crag - Full Callout - 11:50 Tue 23rd Apr 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who had fallen awkwardly in the boulder field near Broad Crag summit. He had suffered painful facial injuries. A full callout was made and extra support for a long and difficult stretcher carry was requested and received from Duddon and Furness MRT. However, Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 also responded from Prestwick and was able to land and assess the walker. He was able to walk to the aircraft, thus allowing a swift transfer to hospital for further assessment and treatment. The advance team then met up with the casualty’s wife and walked down to Brackenclose. Thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT and also to the crew of Rescue 199 for their help to avoid a difficult and hazardous stretcher carry for the teams. We wish the walker a speedy recovery.

42. Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 13:22 Tue 23rd Apr 2024

Another call was received yesterday from Cumbria Police about a second walker, whilst callout 41 was in progress a short distance away. He had also tripped and fallen, this time close to Scafell Pike summit. Again facial injuries were reported, this time initially with drowsiness. As the teams were already responding for the first callout, they were diverted also to this call, with additional numbers requested from work and home. Helicopter support initially looked unlikely, then Helimed 08 from Blackpool and Coastguard Rescue 936 from Caernarfon both lifted to support. Helimed 08 was first on scene and was able to assess, treat and the transfer the casualty into the helicopter. Fortunately the

injuries were not assessed to be too serious and the walker was flown to the valley and then helped to his accommodation at the Wasdale Head Inn for further recuperation and care from the staff. Team members returned to the valley and stood down. We wish the gentleman a speedy recovery. Thanks to both helicopter crews for their help, the transfer down from Helimed 08 saving a long stretcher carry for the teams.

43. Scafell Pike - Alert - 20:46 Thu 25th Apr 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker overdue from a walk up Scafell Pike. Two walkers had become separated and one had not returned to their car. However, very limited information was available due to lack of phone battery from the informant. Also the overdue walker was believed to have no battery remaining on their phone. With little information to go from the Team Leader asked a team member to check car parks in Wasdale, however nothing was found. The police were then able to obtain coordinates from the original call, with a location at Three Shire Stone on Wrynose Pass. With this information the callout was transferred to Langdale Ambleside MRT. This was resolved with a good outcome later in the night. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

44. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 14:33 Sat 27th Apr 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a party of four walkers (in two separate groups) attempting to walk around Wast Water. However, one of the walkers was struggling to negotiate the boulder field and felt they could not continue in either direction. A full callout was made and a shore party and boat team were tasked to help. On arrival, one group of two had reversed their route to easier ground back to Wasdale Head, and the others were transferred by boat to the pump house at the western end of the lake to complete their walk.

45. Hardknott Pass - Alert - 02:00 Tue 30th Apr 2024

A brief alert received via Coniston MRT who had been asked to search for overdue mountain bikers. They were last seen at the bottom of Hardknott Pass at about 6:30pm the evening before. After discussion with other team leaders it was agreed that deployment was not required due to the benign weather or likely to be effective through the night.

46. Greathall Gill, Wasdale - Limited Callout - 10:52 Wed 1st May 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a lone walker who was having a medical episode and was very distressed. She was unable to move further from her current position. A limited callout was made and when team members arrived on scene an assessment was made. The walker had recovered somewhat and was able to walk with some assistance and reassurance to the valley floor. We wish the walker well.

47. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:29 Sat 4th May 2024

A call was received from North West Ambulance Service about a walker who had slipped and injured her ankle. She was unable to bear any weight. A full callout was swiftly made. An advance team member arrived on scene and made a medical assessment. Pain relief was given on arrival of the rest of the team members and the ankle splinted before the stretcher carry to Brackenclose. A handover was then given to the awaiting ambulance team. The team then stood down before returning to base to reset the vehicles. We wish the walker well and hope to see her back on the fells soon.

48. Great Gable - Alert - 23:07 Sun 5th May 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police via Cockermouth MRT who were originally assigned the call. A group of walkers could see lights that appeared to them to be flashing on the climbers traverse path on Great Gable and they were concerned that they were trying to summon help. A team member in the valley was tasked to observe further. After watching for a while progress from the group was steady, their lights did not appears to be flashing and they were in direct sight of Wasdale Head. A false alarm with good intent.

49. Mickledore, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 18:03 Mon 6th May 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a lone inexperienced walker who was reporting himself both lost and with a twisted ankle. He was at a stretcher box, and the call coordinates confirmed Mickledore as the location. Unfortunately the team leader was unable to gather further information via mobile phone contact so a full team callout was made. Some members were tasked to access via Eskdale as it was believed his car was at Hardknott Pass. However as the first team members were arriving at their access points, a further call confirmed better news. The walker had met up with another group of walkers, and were successfully helping him off the fell to Wasdale. As good progress was being made and no further assistance was requested, all team members were stood down and returned to base and home.

50. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 00:28 Thu 9th May 2024

A call was received very early on Thursday morning about a lone male walker who had not made contact after a walk from Seathwaite towards Scafell Pike. He was reported overdue. The Team Leader gathered further information through the night and called out the Wasdale team along with Keswick MRT, Duddon and Furness MRT and Langdale Ambleside MRT for early morning searches. After these were deployed, a second phase of searches was then planned with requests for resources from all other Lake District teams. Search dogs, drones and Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 were also tasked in specific areas. Despite this, at the end of Thursday, the walker was not found, and plans were made for a similar effort with more detailed searches on Friday. Tragically, a find was made later that morning. Sadly he had not survived. Our sincere condolences go to the walker’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with you all. Thanks to all that supported this significant multi agency team effort. We are very grateful for the help.

51. Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike - Alert - 02:39 Sat 11th May 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police from the partner of a lone walker. The walker had taken ill on the descent after summiting Scafell Pike to photograph the Aurora. The Team Leader made contact and it was agreed to monitor progress carefully via Phonefind location and further discussion. Thankfully the walker’s condition improved later in the descent and he was able to make his own way to the valley and then home without the team being called out. We wish him well.

52. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:24 Sat 18th May 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who had injured her ankle just past the head of Piers Gill on the Corridor Route. It was known that Teesdale and Weardale MRT were training in the area so they were contacted to see if they could help. This was the case and so they responded and were on scene within 15 minutes, providing assessment and initial treatment. Extra equipment was needed from the valley so a full callout was made for the team. Once on scene, the walker was packaged into the stretcher and a long carry was made with both teams working together. Once at Brackenclose, a handover was made to the waiting ambulance and the team returned to Wasdale base to devour a huge pizza order! Many thanks to Teesdale and Weardale MRT for their willingness to support. It was great to meet you all. We wish the walker well and hope she recovers quickly and is back on the fells soon.

53. Styhead Path, Great Gable - Full Callout - 19:56 Sat 18th May 2024

As incident No.53 was concluding, a further call was received from Cumbria Police about two walkers who were requesting help as they were lost and felt they could not make their way back to Borrowdale without assistance. They were on the old Sty head path headed for Wasdale Head. However, after a while they cancelled their request for help, seemingly having re-located themselves and moving back towards Sty Head.

54. Scafell Pike - Alert - 22:36 Sat 18th May 2024

A late call was received from Cumbria Police about an overdue walker from Scafell Pike. A family member was concerned when the walker could not be contacted. Due to the intended route from Borrowdale, Keswick MRT were also alerted. Searches of car parks in both valleys resulted in the walker’s car being found in Borrowdale by the Police. The contents appeared to show that the walker had returned from their walk and possibly staying in a local campsite. As such the Team Leaders stood down for the night. The next morning it was confirmed that the walker was safe and well and so the log was closed.

55. Napes, Great Gable - Full Callout - 14:26 Sun 19th May 2024

A call was received from North West Ambulance Service about a walker who had taken a tumble after a rock fell and landed on his arm. A full callout was made. With the prospect of a very difficult stretcher evacuation, additional support was obtained from Duddon and Furness MRT and also Cockermouth MRT, who happened to be in the area training in Piers Gill. Air support was also requested, and Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 was tasked. As all MR teams were mobilising, the good news was received that the walker had been able to be assessed and winched from the scene by the helicopter crew, thus saving time and significant energy from the three teams. We wish the walker a swift recovery from his injuries. Thanks to all teams for their support.

56. Beck Head, Great Gable - Full Callout - 17:47 Sun 19th May 2024

Another call on Sunday, this time from Cumbria Police. A walker had fallen, injuring both her legs and was unable to walk any further. The location is on the border of the area between Cockermouth MRT and Wasdale MRT. As Cockermouth team were still in the area, a joint approach was taken once again. Even so, numbers were a little low for another awkward location and so help from a Coastguard helicopter was again requested. Rescue 199 duly obliged and was able to access and evacuate the walker to hospital for further treatment. We wish the walker a speedy recovery. Again thanks to the helicopter crew and Cockermouth MRT for the help.

57. Skew Gill, Great End - Alert - 16:27 Mon 20th May 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who had taken a tumble on steep ground and badly injured her leg. The informant was close to Sty Head, which is close to the boundary between Keswick and Wasdale teams, with exact location unknown initially. Due to a number of factors, there was a discussion between the Keswick and Wasdale MR Team Leaders and the alert was passed across. Keswick MRT subsequently dealt with the incident with support from both Helimed 58 and Coastguard Rescue 199 (KMRT incident 54).

58. Egremont - Full Callout - 18:03 Mon 20th May 2024

As team members were travelling to Monday evening training, an alert was received from North West Ambulance Service about a walker who had slipped down a river bank and injured her ankle. The location was not accessible to the ambulance crew so an assist was needed. Team members were quickly on scene and the walker was assessed and given pain relief before splinting the ankle. A short stretcher carry followed to the ambulance before handover and continuing on to base to training. We wish the walker a quick recovery.

59. Keswick - Limited Callout - 06:30 Thu 23rd May 2024

The team were asked to support Keswick MRT yesterday in a significant search operation for a missing person. Seven Wasdale members attended and searched their allocated areas. An excellent outcome, well done to search dog Bramble on her first find! Thanks to Keswick MRT for their hospitality and hot food back at base.

60. Whitehaven - Full Callout - 17:31 Mon 27th May 2024

North West Ambulance Service requested assistance from the team to evacuate a walker from woodland who had slipped and injured their ankle. A callout was made with local team members going direct to the location. A very short stretcher carry of about 100m was made to the awaiting ambulance after which the team stood down. We wish the walker a quick recovery.

61. Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike - Alert - 18:28 Tue 28th May 2024

We were alerted by Cumbria Police about a walker who was potentially unable to continue walking due to pain in her hip. Fortunately the family party was well equipped and so a slow pace or halt was manageable without serious consequences. The location was the summit of Scafell Pike. After a discussion with the Team Leader, it was agreed the walker would continue to walk slowly downhill, thus staying warm and also reducing the potential length of the stretcher carry for team members. Misty conditions ruled out any chance of air support. Duddon and Furness MRT were asked to be on standby for extra support for a possible long stretcher carry. The walker and party continued to make slow but steady progress, and eventually was able to complete the walk to the valley without team assistance on the hill. The Team Leader closed the log when the party were in their vehicle safely and en-route to their accommodation. Thanks to the walker for the self-rescue and we wish her well in her recovery.

62. Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 13:25 Wed 29th May 2024

We were called yesterday by Cumbria Police about a walker who had slipped, injuring her wrist when breaking her fall. Passing walkers, one with previous first aid experience had stopped to help the walker and family party. The location was between Lingmell Col and Piers Gill. With communications limited initially, the Team Leader initiated a full callout and asked an advance party to travel direct with shelter and warm clothing in case the walker was not able to mobilise at all. However, as the walker was able to gingerly walk with assistance, contact was made on the fell at Hollow Stones. After some pain relief and splinting of the wrist, the walker’s stoicism helped her back down to the valley under her own steam, with only limited assistance from team members. The family party then made their own way to hospital for further assessment and treatment. Huge thanks to the two walkers who stopped to help and ended up in the wrong valley as a result (we hope your planned onward journey went smoothly). We also wish the walker a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the fell soon. (As the normal team photographers were clearly not on the fell yesterday we have no callout shots. So photos instead of the additional team members in the valley standing by in case the callout escalated, who were re-tasked briefly on shepherding duties.

63. St Bees Head - Full Callout - 23:02 Wed 29th May 2024

We were called by Cumbria Police late on Wednesday to supplement their search for a missing person. The Team Leader initiated a full callout. However, as team members were assembling at the RV point to be given a search area, the news was received that the missing person had been located and so team members stood down and returned home.

  1. Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 18:12 Thu 30th May 2024

A call From Cumbria Police was received regarding a party of 7 walkers, one of whom was suffering from cramp and was struggling to make progress. Others in the party were becoming cold due to staying still and lack of additional layers. With a location close to the summit of Scafell Pike, the walker was encouraged to hydrate and refuel and then attempt to make progress downhill. This was successful and the party was then able to make some progress downhill. With regular Phonefinds progress was monitored in real time. After some time a limited callout was made in case further assistance was needed. However, when team members arrived and met the main party, they were informed that the walker had recovered well and had made his own way to the valley floor. With this news, the team returned to base and stood down.

65. Scafell Pike - Alert - 20:06 Sat 1st Jun 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police regarding an overdue walker from a walk up Scafell Pike. A family member was concerned as they had not heard from him for some time. As the Team Leader was gathering information, and attempting to make contact by mobile phone, the walker was confirmed to be descending on the tourist path, safe and well. Thanks to the 3 peak coordinator in the valley who assisted in a quick resolution.

66. Buttermere - Alert - 09:00 Sun 2nd Jun 2024

The team was due to do some joint training in Ennerdale with members of Cockermouth MRT. As the team arrived Cockermouth MRT had just been called out to a missing paraglider near Buttermere. The training was therefore cancelled, and Wasdale MRT along with members of Keswick MRT went to assist. Tragically the paraglider was found near Buttermere village but did not survive the landing.

67. Harter Fell - Alert - 17:44 Sun 2nd Jun 2024

The Team Leader was alerted by Cumbria Police about a walker who was struggling to make any progress whilst descending Harter Fell. One of the party had descended to retrieve a blanket and to call for assistance. However as the Team Leader was starting to make plans, a further call was received to say that the walker was moving slowly and that she probably wouldn’t need team assistance. When it was confirmed later that the walker and the rest of the party had made it safely back to their vehicle the team was stood down.

68. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 18:31 Sun 2nd Jun 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about a party of four walkers who were lost on Scafell Pike. The message was received via the iPhone satellite emergency centre. The Team Leader was unable to talk directly with the party and it seemed that the party of four was now moving on a path out of Upper Eskdale. A decision was made to task some team members to walk on the main routes into Upper Eskdale and meet the party with warm clothing and food. Some different news then arrived; three of the party of four were safely at the Wasdale Head Inn, having separated from the remaining person. Team members in Eskdale had not made a find as they had expected to, and continued to search with an increased sense of urgency. Some time later, a Phonefind text finally connected and surprisingly located the missing walker above Hollow Stones in Wasdale. He had managed to find the path and was able to walk off to Brackenclose. Another team vehicle was dispatched there to confirm the walker was safe and well. All team members from both valleys then returned to base to dry off kit and restock the vehicles. It appears that the walker managed to self correct his initial navigational error but with no direct communication or true understanding of his location he was unable to communicate relevant information to the Team Leader.

69. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 19:06 Sun 9th Jun 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about two walkers who were descending from Scafell Pike. One of the walkers was very tired and they were concerned that they may not make it back to their vehicle before darkness fell. The mobile phone signal was marginal so limited information was obtained, and then they could not be re-contacted. On an assumption that they would need help, with cold conditions still at high elevations, a callout was made. However, after about 30 minutes a mobile phone call was possible and the party confirmed that they were making reasonable progress and did not need any assistance. This allowed an early stand down. Later, the walkers contacted Cumbria Police when they were safely off the fell and the log was closed. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

70. Little Narrowcove, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 21:37 Mon 10th Jun 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police regarding two walkers who had mis-navigated off Scafell Pike in misty conditions and were stuck. The location from the police call put them on steep ground close to Little Narrowcove. Contact with the party directly was difficult with a poor mobile signal. A full callout was made, with extra assistance given by Duddon and Furness MRT. Once on scene after the long walk-in, the two walkers were found on steep ground

requiring rope rescue. They were not able to move unassisted due to being very cold. As such additional support from a coastguard helicopter was requested for a swift evacuation. A rope system was rigged and both casualties were lowered with assistance to safe ground. Rescue 199 then evacuated the walkers and all team members back to the vehicles. Fortunately following rewarming the walkers did not need further medical assistance. All the teams then stood down after a long night and returned to their respective bases to restock vehicles. Many thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT and Rescue 199 for their help once again.

71. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 16:21 Sat 15th Jun 2024

The team was called yesterday by Cumbria Police about a walker who had slipped and heard a crack in her ankle. It was very painful and prevented any further progress. A swift callout was made and once on scene team members assessed the injury. A well equipped trainee Mountain Leader in the party had already insulated, sheltered and given simple pain relief. Further pain relief was administered whilst the ankle was splinted. The walker was then transferred to a casualty bag and stretcher for the carry back to the valley floor. Once safely down at Brackenclose she was moved to their own vehicle for the journey to hospital and further treatment. We wish the walker a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the fells soon.

72. Wasdale Head - Alert - 17:41 Sat 15th Jun 2024

Whilst dealing with callout No.71, a report was received by team members at Brackenclose about an injured male walker, who was requiring medical assistance. The report was that he was in a car park. A team vehicle diverted to search both car parks at Wasdale Head but nothing was found. The log remained open in case of further developments and was closed several hours later as the ongoing incident was concluded.

73. Scafell Pike - Alert - 19:27 Sun 16th Jun 2024

A very short alert for an overdue party of four from a walk up Scafell Pike. As the Team Leader was gathering information the good news was received the walkers had arrived at their intended location at Seathwaite and all were safe and well.

74. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:13 Wed 19th Jun 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police regarding a walker who had repeatedly stumbled over on his ankle and sustained an injury which prevented him from continuing. A full callout was made and team members assessed the injury. The walker attempted to continue with additional support from the team but after a while he was transferred to the stretcher to complete the descent to the valley floor. We wish him well in his recovery.

75. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 21:43 Fri 21st Jun 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who had taken ill with additional severe cramping in his legs. He was with another walker but only very slow progress was being made from the Scafell Pike summit in poor conditions. A full team callout was made in case a stretcher carry was required. However as the first team member was making the ascent, the walker was found much lower than expected. He was being helped down by a passing three peak walking party. Once he was moving again he was able to make it back to Brackenclose with assistance. This saved a potentially long night for team members, for which we are very grateful. The team then stood down and returned to base.

76. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 15:26 Sat 22nd Jun 2024

A call was taken from Cumbria Police about two uninjured walkers on the Screes whose dog was refusing to walk further. The team was called out with the intention of deploying the boat, however news was received relatively quickly that members of the public had helped out and were transferring the party across the lake to the roadside. Once this was confirmed the log was closed and the team stood down. Our thanks go to those who assisted.

77. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 21:55 Sat 22nd Jun 2024

A call was taken from Cumbria Police about an overdue inexperienced walker from a walk up Scafell Pike. She had separated from the rest of her walking group and was not there either on their return to the valley floor. After gathering information, the Team Leader made a full callout for a search. However, shortly afterwards the good news was received that the walker had returned. She had taken a fall but was walked off the fell by other walkers. Thanks to them for helping another walker in trouble.

78. Hollowstones, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 15:57 Sun 23rd Jun 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who had taken a fall, injuring an ankle and preventing further movement. A full team callout was swiftly made and team members made their way to the scene in very pleasant

conditions. After an assessment and splinting of the ankle she was transferred to the stretcher for the carry down to Brackenclose and then onwards transport to hospital for further assessment and treatment. We wish the walker a quick recovery.

79. Green How, Scafell - Full Callout - 17:12 Tue 25th Jun 2024

A call was received by Cumbria Police on Tuesday afternoon about a lone walker who had run out of water, become dehydrated and felt very weak. He was unable to continue the descent from Scafell. An urgent callout was initiated with a possibility of serious heat illness. The walker was located after a successful Phonefind and given water and some sugary food. This had a very positive effect and after some further time resting the walker was able to slowly complete the descent under his own steam. Further monitoring and medical advice from the team doctor was passed on in the valley before the team was stood down. We hope the walker recovered well and enjoyed the rest of his holiday.

80. Wasdale Head - Alert - 12:16 Wed 26th Jun 2024

A brief alert after a call from Cumbria Police regarding two overdue walkers. Police officers made further enquiries at Wasdale Head and were quickly able to ascertain that the walkers were safe and well and did not require mountain rescue assistance.

81. Scafell Pike - Alert - 13:30 Wed 3rd Jul 2024

A brief alert when a call was received from Cumbria Police about a party of 3 walkers. They had been wild camping on Scafell Pike the night before but had not made contact since. A family member was concerned for their safety and had made the call. As the Team Leader was gathering further information, the good news came in that the group had simply had no mobile signal on their onward walk to Elterwater. Once signal had returned they had phoned home and let the family member know that they were safe and well. A good outcome.

82. Piers Gill, Scafell Pike - Alert - 14:55 Thu 4th Jul 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walking party of four. They had lost their route, having separated from two more experienced walkers, and were cold and wet. They described their location as being at the side of a cliff. The Team Leader was able to make contact to their mobile phone and also get an accurate location via a Phonefind. They were at the head of Piers Gill. With care, the Team Leader was able to redirect the group back to Lingmell Col, from where they joined the main path and completed their descent without incident. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

83. Scafell Pike - Alert - 19:15 Fri 12th Jul 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who had taken a fall and suffered several injuries. However, he was mobile and was making his own descent accompanied by other walkers. His walking partner was also struggling and walking slowly behind him, with his location initially unknown. The Team Leader was able to make contact with both walkers, and it was agreed that the team would remain on standby in case the situation worsened as they continued their respective descents. Both walkers were eventually able to make their own descent to Wasdale Head, and the team was stood down. Our thanks to the passing walkers who helped. The Team Leader kept the log open until it was confirmed that both walkers were safely back at their accommodation.

84. Straighthead Gill, Burnmoor Tarn - Full Callout - 13:15 Sat 13th Jul 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a cyclist who had fallen off her cycle with a reported broken leg. A team member was already close by and so was quickly tasked to assess the situation whilst a full team callout was made in parallel. The first team member confirmed a very painful leg injury with a high pain score and gave simple analgesia quickly. As the rest of the team arrived Helimed 08 from Blackpool mobilised and landed close to the scene. After further strong pain relief the cyclist was packaged into the stretcher and transferred to the helicopter for the flight to hospital for further assessment and treatment. Thanks to the Helimed crew and we wish the cyclist a quick recovery from her injury.

85. Corridor Route, Scafell Pike - Alert - 00:40 Sun 14th Jul 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police in the early hours about a party of five walkers who had lost their way on the descent from Scafell Pike to Seathwaite. They had inadequate lighting for a nighttime walk in drizzly conditions. However as there were no injuries, in relatively good spirits and would likely be able to see their way in daylight, the Team Leader decided not to initiate a callout, as it would take team members several hours to reach their location, and it would be nearing dawn by that point. As such, the plan was agreed with the group and they hunkered down.

When dawn broke they were indeed able to make their own way off the fell with some additional guidance from the Team Leader. The log was closed when it was confirmed that they were safely back at their accommodation. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

86. Eskdale - Alert - 22:05 Sun 14th Jul 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about support for a potential search for a missing person. However shortly after the alert, they confirmed that they had found the person and that the team was not required.

87. Wastwater Screes - Full Callout - 10:20 Wed 17th Jul 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about a walker who had slipped, sustaining a very painful injury to her ankle. Phone Find located her and her walking partner on the Screes path. A full callout was made and access was quickest from the Brackenclose side, also avoiding the tricky boulder fields. Once on scene, the walker was assessed, given pain relief and the ankle splinted. A short stretcher carry was made to the lakeshore and a transfer made to the awaiting team boat. The walkers and team members were then transported to the opposite side of the lake. Transport to hospital for further assessment and treatment was made using the walkers’ own vehicle. We wish the walker well in her recovery from her injury.

88. Scafell Pike - Alert - 19:20 Wed 17th Jul 2024

The team was called by Northwest Ambulance Service about a walker who had sustained a knee injury. Mobile communications were difficult initially due to poor signal, but when a conversation was possible it was confirmed that the location was in Keswick MRT’s area and the team was stood down.

89. Tongue Pots, Eskdale - Full Callout - 14:00 Sat 20th Jul 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about a swimmer at Tongue Pot pools who had jumped into the water and sustained a very painful dislocated shoulder injury. A full callout was made and once on scene an assessment was made and strong pain relief given. Due to the nature of the injury and the long carry, air support was requested from Helimed 58. They duly responded and the helicopter was able to land close to the party, receive a handover, and then fly the casualty to hospital. Thanks to the Helimed crew for their assistance. We hope the casualty recovers swiftly from his injury.

90. Illgill Head - Alert - 15:15 Sat 20th Jul 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police for a second time in the afternoon about a walker reporting that his legs had seized up and was struggling to make any progress. His walking party was concerned for his safety in wet and cool conditions if he could not continue. The Team Leader gave encouragement and advised food and drink intake with additional clothing. With this, the walker was able to make slow progress down the hill and eventually made it safely down to the valley.

91. Mickledore, Scafell Pike - Alert - 16:30 Sat 20th Jul 2024

A third call of the afternoon was taken from Cumbria Police, this time regarding two walkers who were lost in the mist at Mickledore, attempting to descend to Wasdale Head. The Team Leader gave advice and directions over the phone, and this allowed the walkers to find a defined path. They later called back to confirm that no further assistance was needed and so this log was closed. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

92. Hardknott Pass - Alert - 23:05 Sat 20th Jul 2024

The fourth and last call of the day was received from Northwest Ambulance Service. They had a report of a vehicle hanging over an embankment with a significant drop, with a location of Hardknott Pass. When an exact location was obtained from a separate police call, it was confirmed that this was in Duddon And Furness MRT’s area and so a quick handover call was made. However, the very welcome news was received almost immediately afterwards to say that all persons were safe and well and the teams stood down.

93. Hardknott Pass - Alert - 15:30 Tue 23rd Jul 2024

Another call yesterday from Cumbria Police for a vehicle in trouble on Hardknott Pass. A car had partially left the road and was not stable. A Team Leader happened to be close by and attended direct to coordinate any response with the

police and fire service. However, on arrival, the occupants had managed to leave the vehicle unhurt and so the requirement was for a vehicle recovery only. As such, the team stood down.

94. Rough Crag, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 18:00 Tue 23rd Jul 2024

Another call from Cumbria Police yesterday. A walker had become cragfast in steep consequential ground on Rough Crag. He had wisely called for help. A full callout was quickly made, and due to the length of time it would take team members to arrive on scene, air support was requested from a Coastguard helicopter. Team members continued to make their way up the fell, however Rescue 936 was able to access the walker and winch to safety in the helicopter. He was then transported to the Wasdale valley at Brackenclose to be met by other team members. Many thanks to the crew of Rescue 936, saving team members a long night on the fell, and as it turned out, keeping legs relatively fresh for the last callout of the day just before midnight…

95. Ritson's Force, Wasdale Head - Full Callout - 23:45 Tue 23rd Jul 2024

A late night call from Northwest Ambulance Service about a person who had fallen and injured their knee at Ritson’s Force, near Wasdale Head. The team was called out quickly for the unusually short walk-in to the casualty. When on scene, the casualty was assessed and treated before being packaged into the stretcher for the carry to the Wasdale Head Inn. She was then transferred to hospital by land ambulance. The team returned to base to reset the vehicles before heading home for a curtailed night’s sleep. We wish the casualty a swift recovery from her injuries.

96. Broad Crag Col, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 15:50 Wed 24th Jul 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who had fallen and potentially dislocated her shoulder. Passing walkers had stopped to help. The team was called out and due to the time it would take for the team to reach the casualty Helimed support was also requested. In the meantime the casualty party was able to carefully make their way slowly to Lingmell Col. Helimed 58 from Langwathby duly responded but was diverted to a higher priority tasking. Then Helimed 08 from Blackpool was tasked, but again was called away. Unfortunately the weather was deteriorating so the stretcher evacuation then became the only remaining option. Numbers from Wasdale were a little low for a long carry, so support was requested from Duddon and Furness MRT, and this was quickly provided. However, when team members arrived on scene, the casualty’s condition had improved somewhat, and she very stoically decided that she would attempt to continue the descent on foot. With support from team members this proved possible and a slow walk was completed to Brackenclose, where a handover to a land ambulance crew took place. The team returned to base to reset the vehicles for the next callout. Thanks to both Helimed crews and to Duddon and Furness MRT for their willingness to support once again. We wish the walker well and a quick recovery.

97. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 19:15 Wed 24th Jul 2024

Whilst on the descent with the casualty from incident 96, team members came across two walkers who were in need of our assistance. Both had taken numerous minor falls and were cold and exhausted. They were struggling to make progress and at risk of further falls and more serious injuries. Three team members were diverted from the ongoing callout and provided reassurance, food, water, helmets and rope support to minimise the risk on the remainder of the descent. Happily they were able to complete their walk to Brackenclose, and the team members stood down.

98. Scafell Pike - Alert - 20:15 Fri 26th Jul 2024

A call was received yesterday evening about a party of 12 walkers who were overdue from a walk up Scafell Pike. A friend was expecting them several hours earlier, returning to Keswick from Seathwaite. However, as the Team Leader was gathering information form the informant on the phone, a message was received from one of the party saying that they had got lost, but had re-found their route and were safe and well. The log was closed later when it was confirmed that they were safely off the fell.

99. Burnmoor Tarn - Full Callout - 00:05 Sat 27th Jul 2024

A late night call was received from Cumbria Police. A fell runner undertaking an organised long distance event had sustained a suspected ankle fracture. After some initial uncertainty on location it was confirmed that she was on the Burnmoor Tarn path, with Wasdale the quickest access point. The team was called out, with help received from Duddon and Furness MRT due to slightly low numbers required for a stretcher carry. A race paramedic was first on scene and made an assessment and gave initial pain relief. Once the team arrived, further assessment, pain relief and splinting took place, before packaging into the team stretcher. After the stretcher carry to Brackenclose, a handover was made to a land ambulance crew for subsequent transfer to hospital. Thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT once again. We wish the fell runner a speedy recovery, and hope to see her back on the fells soon.

  1. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 20:55 Sun 28th Jul 2024

The 100th alert of the year was from Cumbria Police. A walker had fallen close to the stream crossing on Brown Tongue and sustained a potentially dislocated shoulder. A full callout was made and team members quickly made their way to the scene. After an assessment some strong pain relief was administered and the walker carefully packaged into the team stretcher. He was then carefully transported to Brackenclose, after which a handover to a land ambulance crew was undertaken, before a transfer to hospital. We wish the walker well with a quick recovery from his injury.

101. Lingmell - Full Callout - 20:55 Fri 2nd Aug 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a lone walker who had fallen and injured his leg, had lost the path and was not equipped for the weather, which had deteriorated significantly with torrential rain arriving. He was concerned for his safety. The initial location description was described as Lingmell Crag. A full callout was made, with a potentially serious and challenging crag rescue from the East side of Lingmell. However a subsequent accurate Phonefind put the walker on Goat Crags, and with a clear mobile phone reception, the Team Leader was able to direct the walker to the Lingmell Nose descent path. Fortunately the leg injury was not serious and the walker then made his own way safely off the fell, wet and cold, but otherwise OK. Team members who had been waiting at base were stood down having not been needed to deploy. A good outcome. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

102. Scafell Pike - Alert - 19:25 Sat 3rd Aug 2024

The team was alerted yesterday evening about a family party of four walkers who were overdue from a walk up Scafell Pike. Another family member called raising concern. However, as the Team Leader started to gather information, a call to one of the party connected and it was confirmed that all of the group were safe and well and nearly back to their vehicle. A patchy mobile signal explained the lack of contact before this. The team was stood down and the log closed.

103. Scafell Pike - Alert - 20:20 Sat 3rd Aug 2024

A second alert from Cumbria Police yesterday, with a walking party of 11 people seeking assistance to get to Seathwaite having become lost on the descent on the Corridor Route from Scafell Pike. The coordinates from the call to the police put them close to the old Sty Head path in Wasdale. With the cloud base well above them, the Team Leader gave advice that the shortest route to safety was to Wasdale Head and then a taxi ride back to Borrowdale. This would be visible downhill from their location. The police relayed this message and the log was closed. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

104. Eskdale - Alert - 20:25 Sun 4th Aug 2024

A brief call was received from Cumbria Police about two walkers who had arrived at a farm in Eskdale. They had left their vehicle 11 hours prior with no equipment and did not know where they were or exactly where they had started from. They had followed the river out of the valley to find the farm. In heavy rain they were understandably cold and tired and in need of energy replenishment. The farmers kindly took care of them until a taxi arrived to take them to their desired destination. Hopefully valuable lessons were learned and a good outcome given the poor conditions. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

105. Scafell Pike - Alert - 23:50 Mon 5th Aug 2024

A late night alert was received from North West Ambulance Service. A male walker was reporting a twisted knee on the descent from Scafell Pike. However, the coordinates from the call placed him on a road well down the valley. Further contact was not possible. After verification of the location accuracy, it was agreed with NWAS that Mountain Rescue was not currently required, and would stand down, pending further information. Nothing further was heard and the log was closed.

106. Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 12:00 Tue 6th Aug 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police regarding a walker reporting a deep laceration to a leg. The team was quickly called out and Duddon and Furness MRT was asked to standby to support with a location high up on the Scafell Pike summit plateau. However, the walker was very stoically able to complete his descent to Wasdale Head himself where he was met by his partner for onwards transport to further care. Team members took advantage of the location to refresh and rehydrate before returning to base. Thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT for their willingness to support us once more. We wish the walker a swift recovery.

107. Pillar - Full Callout - 23:15 Tue 6th Aug 2024

The team was called out to support Cockermouth MRT on a difficult callout with a tragic outcome. Our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the fell runner. Cockermouth MRT callout 50 https://www.cockermouthmrt.org.uk/rescues.html

108. Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 13:35 Thu 8th Aug 2024

A call was received from a walker that had become separated from the rest of her walking party, and then lost the path on the summit plateau. She was cold and wet and concerned for her safety with very poor visibility. The Team Leader was able to confirm her location by Phonefind and then guide her towards the stretcher box at Mickledore. Here she took shelter, whilst a small party of team members was tasked to help. Once on scene, the walker was reassured and rewarmed before being supported down the steep section of Mickledore gully. From here steady progress was made in very wet conditions to Brackenclose where she was reunited with the rest of her walking party. The team stood down and returned to base to fill the drying room once more.

109. Mitredale - Full Callout - 11:30 Sat 10th Aug 2024

An urgent call was received from North West Ambulance Service about a male walker in cardiac arrest. Helimed 58 and land ambulances were tasked by NWAS and a full callout initiated. A team member in the area was asked to attend direct. The helicopter medical crew was first on scene within about 20 minutes, quickly followed by the advance team member. Tragically, despite extensive efforts, the walker did not survive. He was carefully moved off the hill and into the care of the emergency services. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the walker’s family and friends.

110. Wastwater - Full Callout - 01:30 Sun 11th Aug 2024

A late night call from Cumbria Police from an informant who was concerned for the safety of someone in the water who was screaming. Calls of this nature result in many emergency services attending, including mountain rescue as we have a boat and medical capability. A local team member quickly attended followed by NWAS rapid response vehicle and Cumbria Police. Once on scene it was established that there was no one currently in the water and at risk. It appeared that campers on the lake shore had had a disagreement resulting in the disturbance which had escalated. Once it was established that there was no-one in danger the team was stood down along with the other emergency services.

111. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Alert - 18:30 Sun 11th Aug 2024

The team was called by North West Ambulance Service about a walker who had injured their ankle and was concerned they may not be able to complete the descent. The Team Leader made direct contact and it was agreed the walker and his three friends would try to continue, knowing help was there if needed. Progress was carefully monitored through regular Phonefinds and after a further phone call confirming good progress close to the valley floor with his friends’ assistance the team was stood down.

112. Scafell Pike - Alert - 22:00 Sun 11th Aug 2024

A brief alert after two walkers were reported overdue from a walk up Scafell Pike to Seathwaite. The Team Leader was able to get a reply to a text message and confirmed that they were safely off the fell but in another location. A good outcome.

113. Scafell - Alert - 15:35 Tue 13th Aug 2024

We were called by Cumbria Police about two walkers with a dog reporting themselves soaking wet, cold and lost on Scafell Pike. However the police call coordinates put them on the flanks of Sca Fell above Black Crag. After advice from the Team Leader the walkers continued their descent downhill and once below the cloud base and within sight of the car park they were content to continue unaided and the team was stood down. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

114. Buckbarrow, Wasdale - Full Callout - 13:05 Sun 18th Aug 2024

A busy Sunday started when we received a call from Cumbria Police about a walker who had sustained a painful ankle injury and was unable to walk. Her partner had carried her as far as possible before making the call. The team was called out and once on scene, after an assessment some strong pain relief was given and the ankle splinted. The walker was packaged in the team stretcher and then she was transferred down the fell to the roadside. After a handover to the crew of the land ambulance team members returned to base.

115. Hollowstones, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 13:35 Sun 18th Aug 2024

As incident No.114 was ongoing, another call for help was received. A walker had become ill and was unable to continue to walk. Team members including two casualty carers were diverted from the ongoing callout to assess the walker. However as they were en-route, information from the scene then prompted a Helimed response and H08 from Blackpool duly responded. Both parties arrived on scene at about the same time and a full assessment was made. A subsequent request for coastguard winch capability was made due to the landing site for the helicopter and the awkward terrain for the walker. However as Rescue 936 was responding, a team effort allowed the walker to access H08 and the evacuation was made to hospital more quickly. Thanks again to both helicopter crews. We hope the walker has a swift recovery and is back on the fells soon.

116. Sty Head - Full Callout - 22:40 Sun 18th Aug 2024

The third call of the day arrived with a group of four walkers who had become separated from a larger group of 40 descending to Seathwaite. After 12 hours on the hill after summiting Scafell Pike they were all cold, with one person struggling to mobilise at all. It was possible there was also a medical issue. There was also a separate call for a lone walker that was directed initially to Keswick MRT with an initial location in their area. A full callout was made in case a stretcher carry became needed, and team members made their way to the location. Once on scene, after some additional clothing, calories and reassurance, a slow walk-off proved possible with some direct assistance from team members. It was established on the descent that the group of five walkers accounted for both alerts as the lone walker had met up with the group of four. The descent to Wasdale valley was completed without incident, and the group of five taken back to base for a debrief and to pick up a taxi. However, a taxi proved impossible to source on this occasion at 4am and so two team members unselfishly stayed with the group at base until one became available at 8am. Hopefully some lessons learned about not underestimating the high fells and having capable leaders established for any sub groups that split from a larger outing. Overall a good outcome on this occasion.

117. Piers Gill, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 01:15 Thu 22nd Aug 2024

With the forecasted yellow wind warning (including storm force gusts at height) and heavy rain in full swing, a call was received from Cumbria Police. A ‘three peaks’ walking party of three had become separated after setting off from the valley at 8pm. The group of two were reporting themselves lost and thoroughly soaked, their waterproofs having succumbed to the heavy and prolonged rain. In addition, the other walker could now not be contacted and they were concerned for his safety. The Team Leader called the team out after considering the risks for all, also requesting support from Duddon and Furness MRT and Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs. This gave sufficient resource for a search, especially for the uncontactable lone walker. From a conversation with the party of two, it was deemed most likely that they were at the head of Piers Gill and so teams headed up the valley to begin the ascent. It was considered too risky to attempt a ‘talk-off’ due to poor communications and their likely location. On arrival at Brackenclose there was some good news as the lone walker was located in the car park. He was taken care of and the extra resources of search dogs and Duddon and Furness MRT were able to be stood down. Team members made their way to Piers Gill and were able to locate the group of two in the expected place. They then safely negotiated challenging weather conditions and rising water levels on the descent to the valley. Again there are some lessons to learn and share, a few in particular to note here: Weather warnings will be more severe on the mountains. Team members reported some gusts risking blowing them off their feet. The mountain will be there another day. Navigation is always much more challenging in poor weather. Stick together as a group. Again it is much easier to lose track of people in poor conditions. Thankfully all off the hill safe and well. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

118. Skew Gill, Great End - Full Callout - 18:45 Sat 24th Aug 2024

In the first incident of the day, a report was made of a walker who had fallen and hit their head and then became unwell and unable to walk. The call was made by a passing walker who had descended to get a better signal. A full callout was made, and also a request for helicopter support from a Coastguard helicopter with winching capability. Rescue 199 was already in the area responding to another incident with Keswick MRT. As the team was en route from Gavel Neese the helicopter became available and diverted to Skew Gill. The paramedic was winched directly to the location and soon afterward was able to winch the walker into the aircraft and onwards to the hospital. The team stood down and returned to base. We wish the walker well with a quick recovery.

  1. Styhead Path, Great Gable - Limited Callout - 21:05 Sat 24th Aug 2024

A second call of the evening was received by Cumbria Police. A lone walker had taken a tumble fall on the path sustaining knee and shoulder injuries. Fortunately, both were not serious and she could continue strolling down from

Sty Head towards Wasdale. A small party was tasked with locating and then assisting the walker the rest of the way. Team members were still at base from the previous callout so they were on their way quickly. The walker was located in the location expected and the team provided support to complete the descent safely to Wasdale Head, before returning to base. We wish the walker a quick recovery.

120. Lingmell Beck - Limited Callout - 21:10 Sat 24th Aug 2024

A third call was received when a walker was reporting another group that was struggling to descend from the stream crossing on Brown Tongue. The informant was concerned that then family group was ill equipped for the conditions and the male walker was having frequent muscle spasms. They were all cold and wet and struggling to make any progress. Again, a small team was tasked from base to investigate. However, on arrival at Brackenclose, the family was located in the car park having successfully made their own way off the hill. They stood down and returned to base once more.

121. Great Hall Gill - Alert - 21:15 Sat 24th Aug 2024

The fourth (and last) call of the evening from Cumbria Police was regarding someone at a camp site in Nether Wasdale reporting flashing lights on a mountain to the East. They were concerned that they were flashing to request help. A local team member was asked to investigate as the original informant could now not be called back due to poor mobile phone reception. No lights could be observed to the East from Irton Pike to Brackenclose. However many could be seen on Scafell Pike which was very busy, sometimes these can appear to flash as head torches move as walkers descend. A further check was made an hour later, again with nothing seen. With the weather forecast not presenting a significant hazard overnight, the Team Leader closed the log. A false alarm with good intent.

122. Hollowstones, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 16:50 Sun 25th Aug 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police yesterday about a lone walker who had possibly suffered an asthma attack and was becoming hypothermic. He could not walk and conditions were poor with wind, rain, and cold temperatures at his location. The team was quickly called out, with an advance party also tasked with accessing the walker as soon as possible with shelter and extra clothing. Helimed 08 also responded quickly. Unfortunately, conditions were not favourable for air support and the helicopter was forced to abort. When the first team member arrived on scene the walker was in the company of at least two other groups of walkers trying to help. Shelter and warm clothing were provided and a medical assessment made. As further team members and equipment arrived the walker was treated and then packaged carefully into the team stretcher to minimise further heat loss. Heat packs, vapour barrier and winter casualty bag were applied. The stretcher carry was from a routine but lengthy location to Brackenclose, where a handover was made to the waiting land ambulance. We wish the walker well in his recovery. Our thanks to those who stayed on scene whilst team members were on their way, and especially to the two walkers who offered their own clothing and also stayed on in the team shelter in the initial stages. This increases the temperature in the shelter. The walker was also incredibly grateful to you.

123. Ill Crag - Full Callout - 22:25 Thu 29th Aug 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about a party of three walkers and their dog. They had become benighted after a very long day out and were unable and ill-equipped to navigate themselves down to safety. Their dog was also struggling. The Team Leader discussed the situation with one of the parties and decided that from this location it would be safest to send a group to their location and guide them down to Wasdale. As such a callout was made and team members made their way to the location high on the Scafell Massif, arriving at 3 am. After some rewarming and equipping of the party in a bivvy shelter, the party started the long descent to Wasdale via Esk Hause and Sty Head. Once back in the valley, after a debrief, the party was brought back to base where a taxi was arranged to take them back to their vehicle at Wrynose Pass. The team restocked the vehicles and wearily made their way home. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better.

124. Lords Rake, Scafell - Full Callout - 14:15 Sat 31st Aug 2024

Keswick MRT received a call from Cumbria Police which was confirmed to be in our area and passed through quickly. A walker on the Scafell Pike summit plateau was reporting people about 1.5km away on a ridge line near Lords Rake shouting for help. An accurate bearing was also taken from his location. With no further information to go from the team was called out to investigate further. However, despite many conversations with other walkers on the ascent and then checking out Lords Rake, West Wall Traverse, and Deep Ghyll up to Sca Fell summit nothing of concern was found. It was a false alarm with good intent, but a nice day for it nonetheless with some stunning views.

  1. Scafell Pike - Alert - 22:00 Sat 31st Aug 2024 Scafell Pike - 2 reported overdue

126. Mickledore, Scafell Pike - Limited Callout - 17:20 Mon 2nd Sep 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about a walker who had become separated from his walking partner, and was now lost and exhausted. Phonefind but him on the wrong side of Mickledore for his intended descent to Wasdale. As such, a Limited Callout was made to assist. The Team Leader was also able to direct the walker back towards the stretcher box over the phone and was then able to contact his walking partner. The pair were then able to find each other in the mist and located the stretcher box. Now at a known location they were able to descend from Mickledore where they were met by team members. After some re-fuelling, the walkers were able to descend to the valley and the team stood down. #beadventuresmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

127. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:20 Sat 7th Sep 2024

The team was called on Saturday about a walker who had fallen and injured their ankle. She was unable to walk any further. The team was swiftly called out and once on scene performed a medical assessment, gave further strong pain relief, and splinted the ankle. This enabled the walker to be made comfortable for the relatively routine stretcher carry to Brackenclose when she was transferred to their vehicle for subsequent transfer to the hospital. We hope the walker’s injuries heal quickly and she is back on the fells soon.

128. Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike - Alert - 20:00 Sat 7th Sep 2024

As the team was responding to the ankle injury in incident 127, a further call was received. A walker’s 20kg dog had damaged its paws and was struggling to descend from Scafell Pike summit. The walker was understanding of the situation and intended to move downhill as best as possible, just alerting the team if help was needed later. Passing walkers then assisted with making bandages from spare socks and vet wrap, and this improved things and allowed the dog to move again. Keswick MRT was alerted as they were descending to Seathwaite, but they were also not required to assist as the walker and his dog successfully made it down on their own. Our thanks to those who helped on the fell.

129. Upper Eskdale - Full Callout - 21:35 Sun 8th Sep 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about two walkers who were attempting to return to Langdale and had misnavigated in Upper Eskdale. As they had started very early they had not taken head torches, preventing them from safely moving further. Their location was determined from the coordinates of the police call. The team was mobilized and a small party walked to their location. After some re-warming, they were walked out to the team vehicles and then taken to a nearby car park to pick up a taxi back to Langdale. #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

130. Scafell - Full Callout - 18:05 Sat 14th Sep 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a lone walker who was overdue from a walk up Sca Fell. The walker was inexperienced and not well equipped should things not go to plan. Friends were concerned for his safety as they had received a call saying he was lost at high elevation, and then not returned a few hours later. With weather conditions already challenging and forecasted to worsen, and with no contact able to be made, the Team Leader considered the search to be urgent and engaged several other teams as well as search dogs to enable a lot of ground to be covered as quickly as possible. A Coastguard helicopter was also tasked. More organised search planning was initiated should the ‘hasty’ search prove unsuccessful. Fortunately as the teams were mobilising and being assigned search routes, the good news was received that the walker had made his own way to a pub in Eskdale and was safe and well. Our thanks go to all teams for their support. A good outcome. We would like to reinforce the significance of the hazards of the high fells in poor conditions as the nights draw in. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

131. St Bees Head - Full Callout - 21:30 Tue 17th Sep 2024

A call was received on Tuesday evening from Cumbria Police. They were requesting support for a developing multiagency search for a missing person. However, as team members were assembling, positive news was received that the person had been located and the team was stood down.

132. Wastwater Screes - Alert - 18:20 Wed 18th Sep 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police when a person in a car in a lay-by at the lake became concerned about a walker and their dog on the Screes boulder fields. They had not moved for a while, and with daylight fading they were

worried about their safety. The Team Leader asked two team member to attend with binoculars to investigate further, but before they were near the lake the walker started to walk at a decent pace towards the pump house. A false alarm with good intent. On-Scene Coordinator: Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

133. Great Gable - Full Callout - 13:55 Thu 19th Sep 2024

Cumbria Police called the team about a walker who had fallen, injured his hand and knee and was unable to bear any weight to walk further. The team was promptly called out, and due to slightly low numbers, Duddon and Furness MRT was also asked to help. It then become apparent that there was a concurrent incident with a serious traffic accident on the lakeside road. With a possibility of being unable to get through, a Coastguard helicopter was also requested, and Rescue 936 from Caernarfon responded. One team vehicle was fortunately able to pass through the RTA and was first on scene. A full medical assessment was required as the walker had taken a significant tumble fall close to Sphinx Ridge on Great Gable, sustained a number of injuries and then stoically shuffled down the mountain to the path. Fortunately no serious injuries were detected and after some pain relief and transferring into a full body splint, the walker was handed over to the care of the Coastguard team. The walker was winched into the helicopter for transfer to hospital. Our thanks to both Duddon and Furness MRT and the Rescue 936 team for their help once again, and also to the walkers who stopped to help and made the initial call. We wish the walker a quick recovery from his injuries.

134. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 16:00 Sat 21st Sep 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about a walker who had slipped on his ascent of Scafell Pike, injuring his ankle and rendering him unable to bear any weight. A full callout was made and team members made their way to the scene. After an assessment and splinting of the ankle a transfer to the valley floor was made in the team stretcher. The walker was then helped to the family car for subsequent transport to hospital for further assessment and treatment. We hope he recovers quickly and is back on the fells soon.

135. Wasdale - Full Callout - 21:20 Sat 21st Sep 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a fell runner who was overdue. A family member was reporting their concerns, expecting him back home by early evening. It was established that the runner was last heard from at 08:30am at the summit of Scafell Pike. He had planned to run for 26 miles, however, no details of routes were available. This gave a huge search area. As such, it became very important to locate the runner’s car to give further clues. Several local team members were tasked to search campsites and car parks in Wasdale and Eskdale to locate the car, with a ‘find’ being made at Wasdale Head. With confirmation that the runner had not left the valley, the team was called out alongside Duddon and Furness MRT. Search dogs were also mobilised. As planning and initial search routes were being mapped, it was with some relief that Cumbria Police located the runner at a camp site at Wasdale Head. It transpired that a simple miscommunication between family members had resulted in misplaced concern; the runner had intended to also camp in the valley for a second night, returning home the following day. All teams were stood down and were happy to get a relatively swift positive outcome to what could have been a very challenging search over vast areas, with very little information to plan from. A good reminder to tell someone of your route and intended return times in writing, especially if walking or running alone. Thanks to all MR teams and Cumbria Police for their support and teamwork.

136. Eskdale - Alert - 22:20 Sun 22nd Sep 2024

A relatively brief callout after Cumbria Police called us about a pair of walkers benighted in Eskdale without head torches. This time Phonefind gave a nice result, with a location not too far from the Wha House car park (quite often at this time of night it turns out to be at the edge of our area with a five mile walk in!). Two local team members were asked to attend to locate and escort the walkers back to the road. It was also good practice for Jess in thick bracken and boulders with a find for her quickly made.

137. Broad Stand, Scafell - Full Callout - 15:15 Fri 27th Sep 2024

In the first of two calls in quick succession yesterday, a passing walker at Mickledore reported a lone walker crag fast on Broad Stand. With no further information available a full callout was made. With a second call incoming shortly afterwards, additional support was requested from our friends at Duddon and Furness MRT to lead the incident on the hill. Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 was asked to help, but conditions were not suitable for a pick-off by them. The next best option was an uplift of both Wasdale and Duddon and Furness team members with heavy ropes and equipment to the top of Broad Stand. From here a rope rescue was successfully performed with the uninjured walker lowered to Mickledore to awaiting team members. All other team members abseiled down and then walked back to Brackenclose in glorious Autumn colours. A good outcome. Thanks to both Duddon and Furness MRT and the Rescue 199 crew for their excellent support once again.

138. Gavel Neese, Great Gable - Full Callout - 15:35 Sat 28th Sep 2024

A second call arrived from Cumbria Police on Friday. A lone walker had taken a tumble fall injuring his ankle on the Climber’s Traverse on Great Gable. He had managed to get to the Beck Head to Wasdale path but was unable to continue from there. Most of the team members responding to the previous incident were diverted to this callout as a higher urgency call, and proceeded to the reported location. Once on scene the walker was assessed and given pain relief, before splinting the ankle. He was then stretchered down to Gavel Neese. As Rescue 199 Coastguard helicopter had just finished supporting the Broad Stand incident, they were available to transfer the walker quickly to hospital. Thanks again to the Rescue 199 crew for their help. We wish the walker a swift recovery from his injuries and hope he is back on the fells soon.

139. Mickledore, Scafell Pike - Alert - 01:30 Sun 29th Sep 2024

A late night call was received from Cumbria Police regarding three 3-peakers who had taken a wrong turn on the summit plateau and ended up at Mickledore stretcher box, cold and wet. Other members of the wider group had made it back to the valley and had called it in. After discussion with the Team Leader, the group in the valley was able to relay route instructions to the Mickledore group via their radio, and then they started to walk up to meet the descending party with warm clothing and food. This was the quickest route for support and the Team Leader was also reluctant to call the team out again with two rescues not long completed on Friday evening. At this point two other walkers from a separate group arrived at Mickledore and helped to give confidence to the lost walkers that the route down the Mickledore gully was correct. The descent was completed without incident and once confirmation was received that the walkers were back in the valley the Team Leader stood down and closed the log. Thanks to the passing walkers who helped out.

140. St Bees Head - Full Callout - 12:00 Thu 3rd Oct 2024

A call was received from North West Ambulance Service to assist with a transfer of a walker who had rolled on her ankle sustaining a painful fracture. Once the team was on scene a medical assessment was made with pain relief given followed by splinting of the ankle. The short stretcher carry was completed before handover was made to the ambulance crew for transfer to hospital. We hope the walker recovers quickly from her injury.

141. Scafell Pike - Alert - 06:40 Sat 5th Oct 2024

A call was received on Saturday morning from Cumbria Police. A walker in a party of 6 was reported to be feeling ill on Scafell Pike, and couldn’t descend. However the call dropped out before any details could be obtained, including phone numbers. With no further calls received after an hour, a local team member was asked to investigate in the car parks at Brackenclose and Wasdale Head. Enquiries were made with larger groups, but no further information was obtained about anyone in need of help. The Team Leader closed the log later after agreement with the police to respond if further information emerged.

142. Scafell Pike - Alert - 17:45 Sat 5th Oct 2024

A call was received about a walker who was struggling to descend from Scafell Pike. He was suffering from cramping of his legs and had also taken a fall suffering minor cuts to his hands. The Team Leader made contact and agreed that after taking on some salty food and some simple pain relief, the walker would attempt to descend by himself, helped by his walking partner. Happily, he managed to do this without needing further assistance, and the team was stood down when the pair reached the valley floor.

143. Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 19:40 Fri 11th Oct 2024

A call was received yesterday evening from North West Ambulance Service about a walker who had fallen and sustained a suspected fracture of his lower leg. The team was swiftly called out and made their way to the reported location, which was below the stream crossing on Brown Tongue. Once on scene, the walker was assessed and given pain relief before realigning and splinting the injured leg. A short stretcher carry was made before handover to the ambulance crew at Brackenclose and subsequent transfer to hospital. We wish the walker a swift recovery from his injury.

144. Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 12:00 Sat 12th Oct 2024

The team was called yesterday by Cumbria Police when a walker fell and sustained an injured ankle which prevented any further movement. A full callout was made with several team members deploying directly from the Wasdale Head Show which was in full swing. Once on scene the walker was assessed, before being given additional pain relief and splinting the ankle. A stretcher carry down to Brackenclose followed before a transfer to a car of the walking party for the transfer to hospital. Our thanks go to the many people that helped prior to our arrival. We wish the walker a speedy recovery and hope she is back on the fells soon.

145. River Irt - Full Callout - 14:15 Sun 13th Oct 2024

We were called today by Cumbria Police about a walker who had slipped and fallen, sustaining a painful wrist injury. The team was called out and arrived on scene. Unusually it was possible to drive very close to the walker’s location. A full medical assessment was completed before administering pain relief and then splinting of the wrist. A short stretcher carry was made to a team vehicle, before transferring the walker to the vehicle of one of her walking group for the onward journey to hospital. We hope the walker recovers quickly from her injury.

146. Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike - Full Callout - 14:25 Fri 18th Oct 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about a walker who had become unwell after suffering from a suspected severe panic attack. She was unable to make further progress, having turned back before reaching the summit. A band of rain and continuing strong winds created a very cold environment with a risk of hypothermia. The team was called out quickly and, with Helimed support already committed elsewhere, and with a variable cloud base, a Coastguard helicopter was requested. Rescue 936 responded from Caernarfon. An advance party managed to get on scene first but unfortunately the descending cloud base prevented direct helicopter support. Once on scene the walker was assessed and rewarmed with multiple dry insulating layers and heat blankets. After taking on water, glucose and further treatment, the walker had recovered significantly. An attempt to walk off was made with the stretcher now also ready to deploy and Rescue 936 standing by in the valley. Thankfully, the walker was able to make her own way off the fell with support from team members. She was then driven by her partner in their own vehicle for a further precautionary assessment at hospital. We hope she is fully recovered from her very difficult day on the fell. Thanks to the crew of Rescue 936 for their response, and also to the two walkers who stopped to help and gave up their extra layers, becoming pretty cold themselves by the time we arrived.

147. Unwell Male - Bengarth woods – Full callout - 12:48 Sat 19th Oct 2024

The team assisted with medical support to a male who unfortunately died from his injuries.

148. Wasdale area - High risk misper reported – Alert - 20:45 Wed 23rd Oct 2024

The team was called briefly by Cumbria Police to assist them with a search for a missing person. A family member was concerned for their safety. However, as the Team Leader was requesting the closest team members to search car parks for a vehicle, the police confirmed that they had located him in the valley and that he was safe.

149. Langdale Assist – Full callout - 08:00 Wed 30th Oct 2024

The team was put on standby on Tuesday evening to be ready to assist in the callout below on Wednesday. One of our drone pilots was deployed but just as he was about to fly there was a find and he became part of the response team. All in all a great outcome with some fantastic teamwork from all teams. We wish the casualty a quick recovery.

150. Corridor Route – Benighted – Full callout - 17:17 Wed 30th Oct 2024

The team was called by Cumbria Police about two walkers who called for MRT help as the light was fading. It proved difficult for reliable communications to be established but from the phone coordinates on a second call they had made progress from Skew Gill well past Sty Head Tarn towards Seathwaite. As this was now in Keswick MRT’s area, the log was transferred across and they successfully oversaw the walkers making it back to their car safe and well.

151. Bursting Knott - Family benighted – Limited callout - 18:42 Wed 30th Oct 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walking group of four who had taken a wrong turn on the descent from Scafell Pike, heading for Seathwaite. They were advised to continue their descent towards Wasdale as the quickest way to safety.

A limited callout was made for a small party to meet them, escort them down to the team vehicle at Gavel Neese and then transfer them to Wasdale Head. They then arranged a taxi for the return to Borrowdale.

152. Scafell Pike - Overdue couple – Alert - 17:41 Fri 1st Nov 2024

A short alert was swiftly resolved after a family member reported two walkers overdue after summiting Scafell Pike earlier in the afternoon.

As the Team Leader was gathering information having put the team on standby, the good news was received that the overdue walkers had been in contact and were safe and well.

153. Ankle below Stirrup crag – Full callout - 13:49 Sat 2nd Nov 2024

The team was called on Saturday afternoon regarding a walker who had slipped, injured her ankle and was unable to mobilise further.

The Team Leader initiated a full callout, and with the injured walker in mist, helicopter support was not possible. Team members made their way to the scene and then assessed the injury, gave pain relief and splinted the ankle. A stretcher carry was completed to Overbeck car park, after which a taxi was taken for onwards transfer to hospital. We wish the walker a quick recovery from her injury.

154. Knee injury Mecklin Wood – Full callout - 14:46 Sat 2nd Nov 2024

A further call from Cumbria Police was received on Saturday as incident 153 was in progress. A walker has fallen, twisted his leg and sustained a suspected painful dislocated knee.

The team arrived quickly and assessed the walker. Pain relief was administered and the injured leg splinted. A short stretcher carry was then made to the roadside after which it was agreed that the walker could be taken to hospital in a friend’s car. We wish him a quick recovery.

155. Scafell Pike – Overdue – Alert - 19:22 Mon 4th Nov 2024

An alert from Cumbria Police was quickly resolved when two walkers were reported overdue from a walk up Scafell Pike. As soon as a standby been sent to the team, there was a confirmation that the police had managed to contact one of the walkers. They were safe and well and almost back to the valley floor, so the team was stood down.

156. Penrith assist for lost walker – Full callout - 08:23 Wed 6th Nov 2024

The team was asked to support Penrith MRT in an escalating search from the previous night. Happily, the walker was found well before WMRT deployment onto the fell in the Pennines. A great outcome.

157. Upper Eskdale – Lost – Alert - 16:00 Sat 9th Nov 2024

A call was received from Cumbria Police about two walkers who had mis-navigated on the descent from Scafell Pike. Our friends from Duddon and Furness MRT had agreed to cover the patch as many members of the team were attending the happy event of the wedding of our Medical Officer and our IT Officer. They successfully resolved the incident and were back at their base for the early evening. Thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT once again, and huge congratulations to Lucy and Paul.

  1. Hardknott Pass - Car off the road – Alert - 06:01 Sat 16th Nov 2024 Details TBC.

  2. Ankle Injury Hollow Stones – Full callout - 15:00 Sat 16th Nov 2024 Ankle injury - 30 YOM, rolled ankle, painful to walk even with poles.

160. 160.24 Lakeshore Stuck – Full callout - 16:49 Sat 16th Nov 2024

Casualty stuck on lower screes path unable to move - with dog (golden lab/retriever)

Incidents between 27[th] November 2023 and 31[st] December 2023

161. Upper Eskdale - Alert - 16:51 Mon 27th Nov 2023

The team was asked to take a callout for @wasdalemrt last night as they were holding their AGM. Team members went to the aid of two well-equipped, experienced hillwalkers who were lost on the descent into Mosedale. Well done search dog Roxy (and her human, Tom) on her first locate.

162. Gosforth - Limited Callout - 09:11 Sat 2nd Dec 2023

The arrival of snow in Gosforth last Saturday resulted in traffic unable to get up the hill which then caused an increasing number of motorists stuck in deteriorating conditions. Cumbria Police called us, knowing that the base could possibly be used for welfare should the situation become prolonged and the weather worsen. Some local team members were able to walk to base and open up. However, a short while later the road was able to be gritted with the help of a local farmer and the traffic got moving again. The team closed up the base and stood down.

163. Cumbria - Limited Callout - 18:57 Sat 2nd Dec 2023

The team supported the multi-agency response to the recent snow event in Cumbria. Three 4x4 vehicles were tasked to RV at Grizebeck and assist Cumbria Police to search abandoned vehicles. After a long night in difficult conditions all team members returned safely back to base.

  1. Scafell Pike - Alert - 08:48 Sun 3rd Dec 2023

A call was received from Cumbria Police from a concerned relative. A party of four well equipped walkers had planned to camp on the fells after an ascent of Scafell Pike. After the heavy snowfall in the county, none of the walkers were able to be contacted. However as further information was being gathered, the police made contact again to confirm contact has been made with the party and all was well. Mobile phone signal would not have been available at their camping location overnight, but appeared as they descended. A good outcome.

165. West Cumbria - Alert - 21:12 Sun 3rd Dec 2023

A request was received from Cumbria Police to provide 4x4 vehicles to enable essential care visits in the Winter conditions following the heavy snowfall and subsequent icy conditions. However, it was established that the request was not for immediate deployment, so the team was stood down with a commitment to respond if required in the future.

166. Sty Head - Limited Callout - 16:24 Sat 9th Dec 2023

A call was received from Cumbria Police about two lost and walkers. They were cold and wet having been out in poor weather (named storm) all day. As darkness fell they became concerned for their safety. Fortunately for them they were able to contact the iPhone emergency centre, having no signal to call 999. As a location was also obtained, the Team Leader tasked a small hill party to go to the location and escort the walkers to safety. This was able to be achieved, with due care taken crossing high water levels in the becks. The walkers were taken back to Wasdale Head, where they were reunited with the other two members of their walking party. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

167. Cam Spout, Scafell - Full Callout - 15:56 Sun 10th Dec 2023

A call was received from North West Ambulance Service about a walker with a leg injury high up on Scafell Pike. Due to weather conditions and the potential for a long carry, a full callout was swiftly made with help also requested from Duddon and Furness MRT. Coastguard helicopter support was also requested and R936 responded. As direct contact by mobile phone was not possible, the Team Leader tasked a DFMRT party to access the casualty location from Eskdale, with the remainder ascending from Brackenclose and Mickledore. Rescue 936 attempted to approach from multiple directions but was thwarted by low clouds, and had to return to their base, with an offer to return if access became possible later. As the first Wasdale team members approached the reported casualty location, the Duddon and Furness MRT party in Eskdale spotted lights and heard shouts in the Great Moss area. Shortly afterwards the good news was confirmed that it was the casualty and his walking partner. Even better was that the injury was not serious and that they were able to walk out to the road head. Bothe teams then returned to their vehicles and to the respective bases. Our thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT once again for their assistance.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Trustees' report and financial statements

for the year ended 30 September 2024

Charity number: 1170178

robinson+co

Chartered Accountants

Gosforth

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Contents

Page
Legal and administrative information 1
Trustees' report 2 - 3
Independent examiners' report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Cash flow statement 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 14

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Legal and administrative information

Charity number 1170178
Business address Wasdale Mountain Rescue
Gosforth
Seascale
CA20 1BS
Trustees J R Bamforth
P Kirby
P J Hall
J Hryb
I J Davidson
M Smith
L Tunstall
J Noake
R Stalker
Accountants robinson+co
The Old Forge
Beck Place
Gosforth
Seascale
CA20 1AT
Bankers HSBC Bank Plc
3 Pow Street
Workington
CA14 3AH

Page 1

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Report of the trustees

for the year ended 30 September 2024

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered charity number 1170178, on 15 November 2016. The assets, liabilities and undertakings of the unincorporated charity Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (Charity number 1020136) were transferred to the CIO on 30 September 2017, with the CIO then becoming operational from 1 October 2017.

Trustees

The aim is to maintain a trustee board with a range of skills which will be useful to the organisation. New trustees are taken through an induction procedure.

Key management personnel remuneration

The Trustees consider the Committee as comprising the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day to day basis. All trustees give of their time freely and no trustee remuneration was paid in the year.

Objectives and activities

The charitable objects are:

To save life and alleviate distress primarily in upland or mountainous areas.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team provides a search and rescue service on the mountains and off road locations in the Wasdale and Eskdale valleys of West Cumbria and surrounding areas. The Team typically handles over 100 calls for assistance a year.

Further information can be found at www.wmrt.org.uk.

Public benefit

The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

Achievements and performance

Achievements and performance are detailed in the Annual Report as presented at the Annual General Meeting.

Financial review

At the balance sheet date the CIO held £1,381,412 on unrestricted funds (2023: £1,265,646) and £21,926 on restricted funds (2023: £nil), a satisfactory position.

A detailed review is provided in the Treasurer's Report within the Annual report as presented at the Annual General meeting.

Risk Management

The trustees have assessed the major strategic, business and operational risks to which the CIO is exposed. They are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate the exposure to these risks.

Page 2

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Report of the trustees for the year ended 30 September 2024

Plans for future periods

One of the team's ongoing challenges is recruitment of new members and considerable effort is being directed in this area.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

On behalf of the board

J R Bamforth Trustee

Page 3

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Independent examiner's report to the trustees on the unaudited financial statements of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.

I report on the accounts of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team for the year ended 30 September 2024 set out on pages 5 to 14.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner

As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, you consider that the audit requirement of section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) does not apply and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

...........................................................

Peter Ellwood FCA

Independent examiner

robinson+co Chartered Accountants

The Old Forge Beck Place Gosforth, Seascale CA20 1AT

Page 4

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 30 September 2024

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
funds funds Total Total
Notes £ £ £ £
Income
Voluntary income 2 143,375 - 143,375 110,804
Incoming resources from charitable activities 3 12,396 109,684 122,080 -
Income from other trading activities:
Activities for generating funds 4 10,427 - 10,427 3,744
Investment income 5 10,452 - 10,452 5,321
Total income 176,650 109,684 286,334 119,869
Expenditure
Charitable activities 6 148,642 - 148,642 121,920
Total expenditure 148,642 - 148,642 121,920
Net income/(expenditure)
before transfers 28,008 109,684 137,692 )
(2,051
Transfer between funds 87,758 )
(87,758		 - -
Net income/(expenditure)
for the year 115,766 21,926 137,692 )
(2,051
Total funds brought forward 1,265,646 - 1,265,646 1,267,697
Total funds carried forward 1,381,412 21,926 1,403,338 1,265,646

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 5

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Balance sheet as at 30 September 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
Current assets
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
12
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds
13
Restricted income funds
Unrestricted income funds
Total funds		 2024
£
£
823,835
25,710
562,947
588,657
)
(9,154
579,503
1,403,338
21,926
1,381,412
1,403,338		 2023
£
£
811,247
40,037
422,049
462,086
)
(7,687
454,399
1,265,646
-
1,265,646
1,265,646

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on and signed on its behalf by

J R Bamforth Trustee

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 6

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Cash flow statement

for the year ended 30 September 2024

Notes
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
16
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest and dividends
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward		 2024
£
171,557
10,452
)
(41,111
)
(30,659
140,898
422,049
562,947		 2023
£
)
(2,902
5,321
)
(70,899
)
(65,578
)
(68,480
490,529
422,049

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 7

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to financial statements

for the year ended 30 September 2024

1. Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and the preceding year.

1.1. Basis of accounting

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The trustees consider that there are currently no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

The financial statements are prepared in UK sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

1.2. Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included.

Gifts donated for resale are included as income within activities for generating funds when they are sold.

Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the statement of financial activities in the year in which they are receivable.

Income from the charity shop is included in the year in which it is receivable.

Income from investments is included in the year in which it is receivable.

Legacies are included when the charity is advised by the personal representative of an estate that payment will be made or property transferred and the amount involved can be quantified.

Page 8

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to financial statements

for the year ended 30 September 2024

1.3. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Land and buildings are maintained to a high standard and have a high residual value and as such are not depreciated. The trustees have carried out an impairment review and are satisfied that there is no impairment to these assets.

2. Donations and legacies

Donations and legacies
Unrestricted
funds
£
Donations
135,046
Legacies
8,329
143,375		 2024
Total
£
135,046
8,329
143,375		 2023
Total
£
93,304
17,500
110,804

In 2023 all of the income from donations and legacies was attributable to unrestricted income funds.

3. Incoming resources from charitable activities

Incoming resources from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Grants
12,396
109,684
12,396
109,684		 2024
Total
£
122,080
122,080		 2023
Total
£
-
-

4. Activities for generating funds

Activities for generating funds
Unrestricted
funds
£
Shop income
254
Fundraising events
10,173
10,427		 2024
Total
£
254
10,173
10,427		 2023
Total
£
-
3,744
3,744

In 2023 all of the income from activities for generating funds was attributable to unrestricted income funds.

Page 9

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to financial statements

for the year ended 30 September 2024

5.
Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
£
Bank interest receivable
10,452
10,452		 2024
Total
£
10,452
10,452		 2023
Total
£
5,321
5,321

In 2023 all of the investment income was attributable to unrestricted income funds.

6.
Costs of charitable activities - by fund type
Unrestricted
2024
funds
Total
£
£
Mountain Rescue
148,642
148,642
148,642
148,642
In 2023 all of the costs of the charitable activities were attributable to unrestricted funds.
7.
Costs of charitable activities - by activity
Activities
undertaken
2024
directly
Total
£
£
Mountain Rescue
148,642
148,642
148,642
148,642
8.
Analysis of support costs
2024
Total
£
Legal and professional fees
-
-		 2023
Total
£
121,920
121,920
2023
Total
£
121,920
121,920
2023
Total
£
42
42

Page 10

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to financial statements

for the year ended 30 September 2024

9. Employees

No salaries or wages have been paid to employees, including the trustees, during the year.

Trustees are not remunerated. Expenses of £1,485 were reimbursed to 7 trustees for directly incurred travel costs and clothing allowances.

10.
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 October 2023
Additions
At 30 September 2024
Depreciation
At 1 October 2023
Charge for the year
At 30 September 2024
Net book values
At 30 September 2024
At 30 September 2023
11.
Debtors
Other debtors
12.
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
Trade creditors		 Land and
Fixtures,
buildings fittings and
freehold
equipment
£
£
676,170
344,348
-
41,111
676,170
385,459
-
255,743
-
21,082
-
276,825
676,170
108,634
676,170
88,605		 Motor
vehicles
Total
£
£
155,547
1,176,065
-
41,111
155,547
1,217,176
109,075
364,818
7,441
28,523
116,516
393,341
39,031
823,835
46,472
811,247
2024
2023
£
£
25,710
40,037
2024
2023
£
£
9,154
7,687		 Motor
vehicles
Total
£
£
155,547
1,176,065
-
41,111
155,547
1,217,176
109,075
364,818
7,441
28,523
116,516
393,341
39,031
823,835
46,472
811,247
2024
2023
£
£
25,710
40,037
2024
2023
£
£
9,154
7,687
364,818
28,523
393,341
823,835
811,247
2023
£
40,037
2023
£
7,687

Page 11

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to financial statements

for the year ended 30 September 2024

13. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Total
funds funds
£ £
Fund balances at 30 September 2024 as represented by:
Tangible fixed assets 823,835 823,835
Current assets 588,657 588,657
Current liabilities )
(9,154		 )
(9,154
1,403,338 1,403,338
Unrestricted Total
funds funds
£ £
Fund balances at 30 September 2023 as represented by:
Tangible fixed assets 811,247 811,247
Current assets 462,086 462,086
Current liabilities )
(7,687		 )
(7,687
1,265,646 1,265,646

Page 12

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024

14. Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds

At
1 October
2023

£
General reserve
1,132,534
Vehicle reserve
113,112
Contingencies reserve
20,000
1,265,646		 Incoming
resources

£
176,650
-
-
176,650		 Outgoing
resources
£
)
(148,642
-
-
)
(148,642		 At
30 September
Transfers
2024
£
£
66,395
1,226,937
21,363
134,475
-
20,000
87,758
1,381,412

Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds - previous year

At
1 October
2022

£
General reserve
1,141,841
Vehicle reserve
105,856
Contingencies reserve
20,000
1,267,697		 Incoming
resources

£
119,869
-
-
119,869		 Outgoing
resources
£
)
(121,920
-
-
)
(121,920		 At
30 September
Transfers
2023
£
£
)
(7,256
1,132,534
7,256
113,112
-
20,000
-
1,265,646

Purposes of unrestricted funds

The charity's unrestricted funds can be used with the approval of the board of trustees to fund any expenditure which falls within the charity's.

The level of the general reserve should be at least the equivelant of two years annual income, the trustees are satified this has been met.

The trustees have designated £134,475 as a vehicle reserve, in order to provide ready cash for the replacement of the vehicles and boat when required. The reserve is maintained based on a conservative estimate of 15% of the replacement cost of each vehicle multiplied by the number of years service it has done, up to the full replacement cost.

The trustees have designated £20,000 as a contingencies reserve, in order to make provision for catastrophic mechanical failure of a vehicle estimated at £15,000 and for a catastrophic communications failure at £5,000.

Page 13

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to financial statements

for the year ended 30 September 2024

15. Analysis of movements in restricted funds

At
1 October
2023

£
Restricted funds
-
-		 Incoming
resources
£
109,684
109,684		 At
30 September
Transfers
2024
£
£
)
(87,758
21,926
)
(87,758
21,926		 At
30 September
Transfers
2024
£
£
)
(87,758
21,926
)
(87,758
21,926
21,926

Purposes of restricted funds

vehicle (purchased 05 January 2023) and other equipment used in the pursuit of the charities objectives.

16. Gross cash flows

Net movements in funds
Deduct interest and dividend income shown in investing activities
Add back depreciation and profit/loss on disposal
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors		 2024
£
35,534
)
(10,452
28,523
14,327
103,625
171,557		 2023
£
)
(2,051
)
(5,321
25,352
)
(25,836
4,954
)
(2,902

17. Analysis of changes in net funds

Cash at bank and in hand
Net funds		 Opening
balance
£
422,049
422,049		 Cash
flows
£
140,898
140,898		 Closing
balance
£
562,947
562,947

Page 14

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Detailed statement of financial activities

For the year ended 30 September 2024

2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Income
Income from generating funds:
Voluntary income
Donations 135,046 93,304
Legacies 8,329 17,500
143,375 110,804
Activities for generating funds
Shop income 254 -
Fundraising events 10,173 3,744
10,427 3,744
Investment income
Bank interest receivable 10,452 5,321
10,452 5,321
Total income from generating funds 164,254 119,869
Incoming resources from charitable activities
Grants 122,080 -
122,080 -
Total income 286,334 119,869

Page 16

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

Detailed statement of financial activities

For the year ended 30 September 2024

Charitable activities
Mountain Rescue
Activities undertaken directly
Training costs
Rates
Electricity
Maintenance
Equipment
Insurance
Sundry headquarter expenses
Vehicle running expenses
Officers' expenses
Marine insurance
Telephone
Printing and stationery
Depreciation
Sundry
Boot allowance
Clothing allowance
Donations
Other costs
Support costs
Legal fees
Mountain Rescue total expenditure
Total charitable activity expenditure
Net income/(expenditure) for the year		 2024
£
9,129
192
5,804
6,920
25,329
4,980
6,998
8,441
1,567
681
2,959
800
28,523
6,311
1,467
13,544
25,000
3
148,642
-
-
148,642
148,642
137,692		 2023
£
10,813
1,602
4,205
7,191
32,286
3,659
6,609
5,888
918
664
2,800
298
25,352
4,651
1,375
13,568
-
)
(1
121,878
42
42
121,920
121,920
)
(2,051

Page 17

Wasdale Mountaln Rescue Team Independent examiner's report to the trustees on the unaudited financial statements of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team. I report on the accounts of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team for the year ended 30 September 2024 set out on pages 5 to 14. Respective responslbllities of trustees and independent examiner As the charity's trustees you are responslble for the preparation of the accounts, you consider that the audit requirement of section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) does nol apply and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Charitles Act,. and to state whether partlcular matters have come to my attention. Basls of independent examlner's statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accountin8 records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual Ilerns or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanalions from you as trustees concernin8 any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audlt and consequently no opinlon is 8iven as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. lil which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep proper accounting records in accordance with section 130 01 the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accountin8 records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charitie5 Act have not been met: or lill to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn In order to enable a proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. Peter Ellwood FCA Independent examiner robinson+co Chartered Accountants The Old Forge Beck Place Gosforth, Seascale CA20 IAT 231Jful 202S Page 4