North Wales Mountain Rescue Couple Receive MBEs From Prince William

A husband and wife mountain rescue team from North Wales have been honoured with MBEs during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Becky and Iain Ashcroft, volunteers with North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR), received their awards from Prince William on March 11 after being recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours last year.

The pair have more than 60 years of combined service supporting mountain rescue operations and are believed to be the first husband and wife volunteers in mountain rescue to receive the honour together.

Speaking after the ceremony, Becky Ashcroft said the day was one they would never forget.

“We are still both surprised when someone mentions that we are both MBEs,” she said.

“Today’s investiture at Windsor Castle really did make it feel real, and we both remain hugely grateful and honoured to have been nominated.

“Mountain rescue is about team work, and behind us in North Wales is a strong group of fellow team members without whom we could not do what we do.”

Becky said the honour also reflected the work of mountain rescue volunteers across the UK as well as the support provided by emergency services partners such as the Coastguard and RAF.

Iain Ashcroft highlighted the dedication required from volunteers who respond to emergencies in mountainous and remote areas.

“It is not unusual for us to find that the people calling upon our services have no idea that mountain rescue teams are made up completely of volunteers,” he said.

“We drop what we are doing – family events, work and social occasions – to respond quickly to those in need of help. Alongside that we commit many hours to training, maintaining specialist vehicles and equipment, and raising the funds that make our work possible.”

North East Wales Search and Rescue operates across Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham and parts of Conwy and Powys and is entirely volunteer run, comprising nine teams all working together to cover some of the busiest areas in England and Wales. including.

• Aberdyfi Mountain Search and Rescue Team
• Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team
• Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team
• Môn-SAR
• North East Wales Search and Rescue
• North Wales Cave Rescue Organisation
• Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation
• SARDA Wales
• South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team

As a registered charity the team relies on community donations and grants to fund its annual operating costs, which cover essential equipment, training and rescue vehicles.

Donations to support the rescue team can be made via the NEWSAR fundraising page.