Julian Smith, right, talks to Cave Rescue Organisation members during his visit to the team's Clapham headquarters
A member of Parliament’s all-party mountaineering group paid tribute to volunteer rescuers during a visit to the Yorkshire Dales’ busiest team.
Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith was speaking after being shown round the Clapham headquarters of the Cave Rescue Organisation, the oldest rescue team of its type in the world.
Members of the team, which has carried out 81 rescues so far this year, showed Mr Smith its off-road vehicles and specialist equipment, used to aid walkers, climbers and cavers both underground and on the fells of the Yorkshire Dales.
The MP said: “I was pleased to be able to meet with some of the members of the Cave Rescue Organisation in Clapham to hear about the excellent work they do to keep people safe.
“One of the aims of the visit was to hear about the challenges the organisation faces so that I can raise these at Westminster with the Government.
“I want to pay tribute to the volunteers who give their time and effort to both fundraise and rescue those in trouble both under and above ground. I look forward to continuing to support CRO in the months and years ahead.”
The team has set up a Friends of CRO group through which individuals, businesses and clubs can support the volunteers with an annual subscription.
The Cave Rescue Organisation has also set up a JustTextGiving system for supporters to contribute to the team’s running costs.
Donations of up to £10 can be made by texting CAVE11 followed by a pound sign and the amount in round figures up to five, or by the number 10, to 70070.
The text itself is free, so all the cash goes to the CRO. Jon Beavan a duty controller with the team, said: “This is a wonderful way for us to raise money as it’s speedy, simple and spontaneous.
“Most people have a mobile phone these days so we expect this to be very popular with our supporters.”
The all-party parliamentary mountaineering group was set up to promote the sporting and recreational interests of climbers, hillwalkers and mountaineers; to raise awareness of the physical and social benefits of mountaineering; and to campaign for sustainable access to cliffs, mountains and open countryside.
