Patterdale Mountain Rescue
AWTE - Christmas Lunch Charity
One of the busiest mountain rescue teams in England
2024 is their 60th year
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This year the AWTE will be raising funds in support of the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team at this years Christmas Lunch on the 29th November 2024, at the Church House, Westminster.
Just like the AWTE, the Team are all volunteers and are available 365 days a year, whatever the weather!
The Team supports the emergency services by providing a rescue service for those in danger in the hills and valleys around Ullswater. The team are called out by the Police, Fire and Ambulance services, and by HM Coastguard for rescues on the lake.
The Team rely on the generosity and support of the public. No matter how small your donation, it will allow the Team to stay operational and help those in need.
Examples of incidents they support range from:
Ankle injuries, lost walkers, people stuck in tents, slips and falls.
All ages are supported, young and old, experienced and inexperienced walkers in all weather conditions too.​​
​Our Story​
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For each call out which the team attends, a report is created and added to the mountain rescue website. Back in August 2017, one of their reports reads as follows:
On Sunday morning Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team were called to rescue a 54 year old man who was ascending Helvellyn via Striding Edge with his family when he slipped and fell over 200 metres.
Several experienced Mountaineers who were already in the area abseiled from Striding Edge to the man's location and began rendering first aid.
The Air Ambulance was also scrambled, but due to the low cloud they had to abort their attempt to fly to the casualty's location.
Because of the seriousness of the incident and hoping for a break in the weather a larger Coastguard Helicopter was requested from Prestwick. Unfortunately, the low cloud remained and after some highly skilled flying and dedication from the crew of the Coastguard helicopter, it too was unable to reach the casualty's location and had to abort its attempt.
All four of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team's Land rovers responded along with members of the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team and team members ascended the rough and steep terrain of Striding Edge to reach the casualty.
The Team provided immediate medical care, but sadly the man died at the scene.
This was simply a tragic accident. All members of the party were appropriately equipped.'
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The casualty on this day was my husband who was a very experienced walker, as are all the family. After walking in the mountains for my entire life, initially with my dad from a young age, this was the first time that I'd ever encountered the mountain rescue team. They truly do incredible job 365 days a year.
Michelle Laverick, Chair AWTE
Their Story ​
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The Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was founded in 1964 by Dr James Ogilvie, Patterdale’s local doctor. A man of vision and action, he was an experienced climber and mountaineer and his efforts established a Team, which has now developed into one of the busiest in the Lake District.
The Team operated from a converted barn provided by the Patterdale Hotel. This was adapted to changing needs over the years, but due to limited facilities had restricted the development of the Team and the service it offered. We are, however, very grateful to the Patterdale Hotel owners for long term support in providing the old premises at Deer Howe for so many years.
The new centre was built and opened in 1999. It is sited in the heart of Patterdale, has facilities to provide the highest standard of on-site medical care, a dedicated quiet area for friends or family of the casualty, a control room with the latest communications technology, security for vehicles and equipment, an indoor training area and facilities to educate school groups and the general public in the ways of mountain rescue.
Subsequently an additional dedicated area was added to act as a boat house to accommodate the rigid inflatable boat. In 2015 Storm Desmond caused flooding to the ground floor of the centre and subsequent construction work was undertaken to protect the building from flooding. At this time extra floor and storage space was added as well as updating the control room.