One man and his rescue dog

Jan 5 2009 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

One man and his dog

“Finding someone safe and well is a great feeling. You have to go out there with the notion that you are going out to find someone alive. That’s why speed is of the essence.”

What makes the dedication of mountain rescuers like Mr Thackray even more impressive is the fact that they are all volunteers, holding down day jobs and caring for families.

Mr Thackray, who is a freelance first aid adviser, said: “We are professional volunteers. There’s a lot of dedication goes into this. I have to work and have changed the way I do that to fit in mountain rescue. I have a family as well and there’s training too, that never stops.

“I don’t think we are taken for granted. But people are not necessarily aware that we exist as a voluntary service.They assume we are publicly funded because if you dial 999 and ask for the police when someone’s missing or when you are lost, you often get us.”

If you want to volunteer or help raise funds, visit www.woodheadmrt.org.