Kendal Mountain Rescue Team

On Friday, members welcomed Tony Womack from Kendal Mountain Rescue Team, who joined us to share an insight into the work of this vital local service. Tony, who has been a member of the team for 18 years, spoke about how the organisation has developed since it was formed in 1953, when call-outs relied on messages from local phone boxes and volunteers being tracked down around town.

Today the team consists of 36 hill members and additional operational support volunteers, all on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Tony explained the wide range of incidents they attend across the fells and surrounding areas, from injured walkers and climbers to searches for vulnerable missing people and swift-water rescues during severe weather.

He also highlighted the high level of medical training team members undertake so they can treat casualties in remote locations before other emergency services arrive.

As a completely volunteer-run service, Kendal Mountain Rescue relies heavily on fundraising and public donations to cover the £50,000–£70,000 it costs each year to operate the team, maintain vehicles and equipment, and keep their base running.

Tony’s talk was a fascinating reminder of the dedication of the volunteers who respond whenever they are needed, and the importance of community support to help them continue their lifesaving work.