Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team has been serving the Welsh community for 50 years
The team responds to calls for assistance from South Wales and Dyfed Powys Police. Our members, all volunteers, respond to calls when they occur, providing a first class rescue service to vulnerable people in our area or anywhere in the UK if it is necessary. Our role of mountain rescue has expanded over the years to include searching for vulnerable people, as well as rescuing the public who are out enjoying themselves in the countryside and get into difficulty on steep ground or in the water
Why the community needs usOur area of operation contains large urban and rural areas of Mid, West and South Wales, including Bridgend, Swansea, Llanelli. A callout can be for an injured farmer, someone gone missing from a major town or city, as well as anyone who is enjoying a day out in our glorious countryside. We treat all calls for help, as emergencies. regardless of age or reason. We have trained members in water rescue so they can help evacuate communities if their homes get flooded, which is commonplace these days
Our impact on the communityIn 1983 Team Leader Mike Ruddal was killed during a rescue of scouts on Pen y Fan. The scout, who Mike saved by shielding him from a rock fall, was Martin Leather, who this year raised money for the team as a mark of respect for his sacrifice. The team has also been involved in rescuing dogs who have fallen on steep ground and likewise rescued sheep for farmers. We have also received service commendations and humane awards from the Police and the Mayor of Bridgend.
To assist with store collections and general fundraising. If you can help contact fundraising@westernbeacons.org.uk