On 14 September the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team are running a sponsored walking event, the Rescue Ramble, to raise money for a new HQ.

To suit walkers of different abilities three routes of varying lengths will take place simultaneously - eight miles, 16 miles and 23 miles. They take in fells and pastures, with some pathless moorland sections, and though the walks are waymarked and marshalled the onus will be on participants to navigate themselves and to come appropriately equipped. All the routes are described as 'challenging'.

The Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team covers the southern half of West Yorkshire. It averages 18 incidents a year totalling about 1000 man-hours, including both search and rescue on the moors and - in common with many MRTs - non-mountain incidents too . 

The Team have negotiated the purchase of Marsden Fire Station from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, following its closure as an operational fire station earlier this year. They're hoping to raise in the region of £70,000-100,000 to make this a permanent base.

'The Holme Valley MRT already has strong support from those living locally who enjoy the outdoors - they understand the work we do and how we are on hand to help them if they ever got into difficulties while seeking recreation in the hills' says the team's Assistant Leader Owen Phillips.

'By organising this event we are hopefully giving them a chance to support the team in a way that comes naturally - by taking a walk in the countryside!'

'However, we are also wanting to raise awareness that the team is also frequently called to incidents in less rugged parts of the area, and that those receiving our help might not be participating in any adventurous activities - they could be simply walking the dog close to home, or perhaps be in need of an ambulance when the snow blocks the roads in winter.' 

'With this in mind, we are planning some shorter routes into the Rescue Ramble to allow those less accustomed to long-distance walking to take up the challenge and support the team too. We'd like to create an event that walkers of all ages and abilities can enjoy - and we hope that by doing so they can help us raise the funds we need to complete the purchase on our new headquarters and ensure that we can continue operating into the future.'

For more info on the Rescue Ramble see the team's website.