Oldest UK Lowland Search and Rescue team wins vital funding

Berkshire Lowland Rescue, the oldest Lowland Search and Rescue team in the UK, will receive £38,000 from the Rescue Boat Grant Fund.

One of fifty charities to receive a share of the £1 million boost provided by the fund, the money received will fund vital equipment to aid its effort in recovering missing persons.

“The funding will help us immensely. We will now be able to purchase game changing equipment like thermal imaging cameras and a brand new vehicle, helping us to carry equipment and people to incidents and support our emergency services in searches for missing people,” says Rob Jackson from Berkshire Lowland Rescue. “As a charity which relies solely on donations, this grant means that we, as volunteers, can support communities and make a difference to other’s lives.”

The fund, provided and administered by the Department of Transport, is also giving money to Freshwater Independent Lifeboat on the Isle of Wight and Maryport Inshore Rescue in Cumbria for new lifeboats – ensuring rescue teams can respond to situations quicker and more safely.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, comments: ‘Our rescue boat teams carry out vital work to keep our rivers, lakes and inshore areas safe. These inspirational charities and their dedicated volunteers save lives every day, and this additional funding will ensure that they have the craft, equipment and resources to provide these services year-round.”

Since launching in 2014, the Rescue Boat Grant Fund has provided £5.7 million to 104 charities around the UK. 

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