Raising funds for the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association and Air Cadets

 Based on a true scenario, in June 2010 0140hrs Sergeant Widdowson – “Fell Rescue – I’m just ringing to give you a heads up on a situation that’s developing on the moors over Skipton, we may be putting in a formal turn out request through our control room”

Just 45minutes later a full team of 6 Fell rescuers, a search dog and three fully kitted purpose built vehicles arrive at Skipton Police Station kitted up and ready to deploy on a search. Following a briefing the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Team working in partnership with RAF search and rescue Sea King and North Yorkshire Police engage for over three hours on an intensive detailed search in quite hostile conditions for a young man who had gone missing. He was eventually located and returned safe and well.  In my relative short period of time as a Sergeant based at Skipton , this is just one of the many examples where  I have been involved with the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Team on what are described as Critical Incidents.

The Fell Rescue Team are a group of enthusiastic and professionally trained volunteers whose dedication and tenacity, often in appalling conditions to get a job done, can only be admired. The organisation relies heavily on donations to maintain and update equipment, specialist vehicles, search dogs and training. Working alongside other emergency services, they provide an invaluable  24hr / 365 day a year call out to assist people in difficulties, and assist with searches and  recovery of injured walkers, climbers and  cyclists from often inaccessible areas to safer places where other emergency services can play their part.
We are also involved with the Air Cadets, another registered charity,  which gives young people from all social backgrounds opportunities to experience exciting and challenging life building skills and activities. The cadets are going from strength to strength, attracting more young people who want to be a part of this scene. The cadets, including the chance to learn flying skills,  are regularly given opportunities to experience and develop in team building, leadership and confidence. They are regularly recognised for their achievements with awards within the ATC structure and other qualifications including the  Duke of Edinburgh, and  instructors  awards in activities such as orienteering.

As with all groups at the moment they are struggling with funds. We are looking at innovative ways at raising money to help these organisations maintain their valuable services and contributions into our communities.

Previously based at Harrogate within the Safer Neighbourhood Team  I was actively involved in fund raising for a number of different charities and having transferred to Skipton felt this an ideal opportunity to get to know some of our partner agencies and community groups and continue with .  To recognise, and in support the time effort put in by these groups, between the 21st and 23rd of August PS1618 Nick Widdowson from Skipton Police Station will lead a group of Air Cadets and support team on a Charity Coast to Coast 140 mile ride from Workington to Sunderland to raise funds for the air cadets and the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association. To help get this initiative off the ground I have had superb support from local businesses, without whom I would not have been able to get this initiative off the ground. My appreciation and thanks in particular go to Skipton Self Drive,  Skipton SHC Tariler Hire and Tescos Skipton

On its own, what is a pound? a burger, a Sunday paper, a bag of sweets, a coffee. Could you spare just one of these  pounds ?

Your pound will help save lives

Your pound can make a difference

Please support us in raising money for these worthy organisations.

I am asking the community of Skipton and Craven to really get behind us on this initiative to pledge and support these two worthy organisations. You can send or take your pledge or sponsorship to Skipton Police Station. Cheques can be made payable to 886 Squadron ATC Welfare Fund ( Payee on a cheque ) as this is the account we are using to do our transactions through

If you feel you can help or donate in any other way please contact myself or PCSO Ruth Pearson at Skipton


Together we can really make a difference………Look !

Thank you