National Grid donation lightens the load for local mountain rescue
Could you carry a fully grown adult on a stretcher down a mountain side?
As you can imagine, it’s not easy – but it’s something that mountain rescue volunteers do regularly. In addition to the weight being borne, casualties may have sustained injuries which mean that progress must be smooth and jolt free – despite navigating terrain that can be steep and slippery. Mountain rescue teams train regularly to do this well – but its not all about the training. It’s also vital that the equipment used enhances the response.
So, a donation from power suppliers National Grid which will fund a new ultra lightweight titanium stretcher will literally help to lighten the load for the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team.
A lighter stretcher means less weighty equipment to carry up to the casualty and a quicker response but the stretcher will also aid manoeuvrability once the casualty has been assessed and is being carried back to safety. And, of course, less weight being carried means less fatigue for our volunteers – conserving and maintaining energy is very important when many mountain rescue teams are seeing an increase in call outs, and sometimes responding to multiple call outs on the same day.
The new stretcher has been purchased as part of a significant grant award of £18,444 from the National Grid Electricity Transmission Community Grant Programme.
As well as upgrading the team’s life-saving equipment with an ultra-lightweight titanium stretcher, this vital funding will ensure the team can fully equip new recruits with protective clothing and equipment.
Like all mountain rescue teams in the UK, Aberglaslyn MRT relies entirely on donations and the dedicated commitment of its volunteers.
“This incredibly generous grant is a huge win for our community and everyone who loves exploring the incredible landscape of Eryri,” said Owen Senior – Fundraising Officer for Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team.
“It means that when someone is in trouble in the mountains, our ability to reach them quickly and safely will be even better. Equipping our new recruits head to toe with the best kit – and using the very best stretchers means we can carry out safer, faster rescues for years to come. This new equipment will be distributed across our response vehicles, ensuring every team vehicle has immediate access to gold-standard rescue gear.”
How You Can Support Your Local Mountain Rescue Team
The Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team is a registered charity that receives no direct government funding. They depend on public support to continue their life-saving work 24/7, 365 days a year.
You can help ensure they are always ready to answer the call by:
- Making a donation via their website: aberglaslynmrt.co.uk
- Following and sharing their news and fundraising efforts on social media (@AberglaslynMRT).
- Organising a fundraising challenge to support the team.
- Be prepared in the hills – always check the weather forecast, plan your route, and carry the right equipment. You can find more information on staying safe via the Adventure Smart website https://www.adventuresmart.uk/
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- Aberglaslyn MRT is a busy volunteer mountain rescue team in North Wales, they provide a search and rescue capability in a huge area that includes the LLyn Peninsula, Nantlle Ridge, The Moelwynion and Moel Hebog.
- The team is on call 24/7 to assist those in distress.
- National Grid Electricity Transmission Community Grant Programme: The programme supports community projects located in close proximity to National Grid’s electricity transmission assets. It is designed to have a positive impact on the lives of people in communities across the UK.
Website: www.aberglaslynmrt.co.uk
Facebook: /AberglaslynMRT
Twitter/X: @AberglaslynMRT
