Supporters and fundraising

The services of a mountain rescue team in the UK are free to the recipient, but it costs about £50,000 a year to run the team, including money put aside for large capital expenditure such as a new vehicle. Unlike most other emergency services, mountain rescue is a completely voluntary service, and each team is a separate charity responsible for its own funding.

All our members are volunteers. They are provided with some items of all-weather clothing and personal protective equipment but receive no expenses for any activity within our large area. The commitment is extensive: a full training programme, individual courses, fundraising and administration.

We launched the designation of Supporter in 2007 for individuals, families and organisations with an interest in the mountains and in our part in providing free emergency cover. Supporters now provide a significant part of our funding. There is also a Life Supporter category, established with a £300 donation. All supporters receive our annual newsletter.

Our fundraising activities include:

• marshalling adventure-type events, such as the Keswick to Barrow Walk, the Fred Whitton Cycle Challenge and occasional national orienteering championships
• car park management for local car rallies
• supermarket collections
• attending local shows and schools, hosting visits to the base and giving talks to local organisations
• collecting boxes in shops, garages and pubs throughout the area
• “Every Penny Counts” collecting boxes held by supporters

These activities also raise public awareness of our role and of the steps people should take to stay safe on the fells.

If you would like to be more active, you could help with occasional fundraising activities, perhaps for a few hours once a year, or take an “Every Penny Counts” collecting box. You can also sponsor us for events such as the Fred Whitton Cycle Challenge, or raise money through online shopping with Give as you Live.

We will not send you marketing material without your consent. We may send occasional information, usually the annual newsletter, and please tell us if anything is not to your liking. The donation form, including the standing order mandate, Gift Aid declaration and data protection policy, is available from dfmrt.org.uk.