News

Piers Gill – Something has changed.

Mountains by their very nature are inherently hazardous, and this is part of their attraction (at least for some). Piers Gill has always been an accident blackspot for the team and there is a long history of serious events and fatalities. However, the number of incidents of people walking down the gill bed (stream bed) from the Corridor Route on their descent from Scafell Pike has suddenly become more frequent, with four serious events recently: Read more…

By John Bamforth, ago

Jamie fundraising for WMRT

Jamie recently contacted the team to say he is running the Manchester Marathon to raise funds for our team. Jamie is running in remembrance of Alex who was tragically, fatally injured after an accident on Scafell in July 2023 (WMRT incident 92 of 2023) Jamie, here at Wasdale MRT we remain extremely sorry for your loss but thank you enormously for your fundraising efforts If all our followers could click the link, read Jamie’s story,and, Read more…

By John Bamforth, ago

MBE for Penny Kirby

Penny Kirby, Duty Team Leader of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team has been recognised in the New Years Honours. Penny is one of four Operational Duty Team Leaders within the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team with over 40 years voluntary service. Penny is also a highly experienced Lake District Search Dog Handler with a similar number of years voluntary service and has made many successful finds with her four previous search dogs and now Jess. In her Read more…

By John Bamforth, ago

Fundraising in Egremont and Whitehaven

Members of the team were in Egremont on Saturday 16 December and in Whitehaven on Saturday 23 December for the annual fundraising event in the towns. It was great to talk to so many people and we were so grateful once again for the generosity and support shown to us. Huge thanks also to Lea Somerfield who bought a gift card from Greggs and allowed us a ‘free bar’ for coffees, and snacks. The weather Read more…

By John Bamforth, ago

Lakeland Lights Company – Advent Calendar

Lakeland Lights Company are a small family team of candle makers based in Cleator Moor. This year they’ve developed their Wax Melt Advent Calendar with a search and rescue theme in honour of the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team with £1 from every sale being donated to the cause. There are 24 different scented wax melts from their range of scents named after and inspired by their favourite Cumbrian and North Wales locations. If you’re wanting Read more…

By John Bamforth, ago

Fell runner Finlay Wild

Team member Chad’s latest podcast – listen to this episode from Fell World on Spotify. This weeks guest is the brilliant Finlay Wild who doesn’t take much introducing to most fell runners. A gentleman and great to chat with from things like diet through to his favourite race. Finlay Wild on Fell World. – Fell World | Podcast on Spotify

By John Bamforth, ago

Points of Light award for Penny Kirby

Huge congratulations to Penny for receiving the Points of Light award! https://www.pointsoflight.gov.uk/mountain-rescue-hero/ Mountain Rescue Hero 2179. Penny Kirby Penny Kirby, from Cumbria, has spent over 40 years rescuing hundreds of people who have encountered trouble on England’s highest mountain and across the Lake District. Penny is one of four leaders of ‘Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team’, which was established in 1968 to aid those needing help in Wasdale and Eskdale. Penny became involved with the rescue Read more…

By John Bamforth, ago

Mountain Rescue England and Wales – Callouts 2019-2023

To commemorate the amazing work that everyone does in Mountain Rescue England and Wales, Ordnance Survey has created this data visualisation using call-out data from 2019-2023, showing the most common areas that Mountain Rescue attend to. Thank you to all team members who are on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year. #OSMaps #UKHikes #HikingKit #WinterHiking #AdventureSmart

By John Bamforth, ago

Winter advice

We know we go on about carrying a head torch but it’s such an easy thing to do and can make a huge difference – especially as British Summer Time has ended and it gets darker much earlier. Please don’t rely on your phone as a torch – save some battery for the phone in case you need it in an emergency. #BeAdventureSmart

By John Bamforth, ago

Swiftwater Rescue Training

Some excellent training with our neighbouring teams today! This was a joint session for Swiftwater Rescue Technicians with Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team on the Leven today. High river levels made for some energetic training conditions – perfect practice for the real thing……

By John Bamforth, ago

Young fundraiser Frankie McMillan – Mount Olympus challenge

Seven-year-old Frankie McMillan, and his mum have returned back home to Cumbria after their epic challenge to become the youngest British person to climb Mt. Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece at 2,917 metres (3 x Scafell Pike) on 2 September 2023. This was just weeks after finishing his 214 Wainright Peaks challenge on Lingmell. Frankie desperately wanted to raise money for our team and promote #BeAdventureSmart safety awareness. Just under £300 is now needed Read more…

By John Bamforth, ago

Chris Lewis – Patterdale MRT Member

On 6 February 2021, during a rescue, as a member of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Chris was very seriously injured following a 150-metre fall. His injuries were life-changing. It is with great sadness that he passed away recently after a short illness. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and Patterdale MRT colleagues.  

By John Bamforth, ago

WMRT at the National Medical Conference

Some of our Team were at the Mountain Rescue England and Wales Medical Conference. With lectures and practical demonstrations, it was a great chance for us to hone skills, try out new kit, and share experiences with other teams. Thanks to our friends at Langdale and Ambleside for funding the weekend.

By John Bamforth, ago

Gosforth Show

After a ferociously windy start, the Gosforth Show settled down into a really good day. The sun shone, lots of people came and WMRT made £325.14 from sales of merchandise and contributions. Big thanks to everyone for supporting us. Join us next at Eskdale Show 30th September. See you there!

By John Bamforth, ago