In August a group of Rotarians from the Wigan Borough’s seven Rotary Clubs went to the South Lakes to visit the Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue team. The seven clubs namely Wigan, Hindley, Leigh, Tyldesley, Astley, Golborne Lightshaw and Ashton have joined together to fund a new rescue boat and were in the Lakes to present a cheque for £1,800.

In the morning the group enjoyed a tour of the Rescue team’s base and its vehicles and communications equipment. Following lunch in the beautiful Duddon valley, the party joined other members of the Mountain Rescue Team to launch the new rescue boat and were able to see its capabilities.

The Mountain Rescue Team have chosen a slightly different boat to the one they already possess. The new boat is more in the shape of a canoe and this which will enable them to actually enter flooded buildings in order to rescue people.

Following a very enjoyable and interesting day, Wigan President, Maureen Bilsbrough commented, ”We all remember the dreadful flooding a few months ago in many parts of the country and particularly in Cumbria. The Voluntary Services did a magnificent job in very challenging circumstances in helping to rescue local people overwhelmed by the rising waters and this new boat will enable another team of highly trained volunteers to be deployed to help those in need.” She continued “We hope and pray another such incident will never occur again, but we thank the Mountain Rescue Team for their bravery and dedication in all situations in which they are called help members of the public who get in to difficulties”.