Hitachi Supports North East Mountain Rescue Teams

Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team are celebrating having reached a £32,000 fundraising target thanks to a donation from Hitachi Construction Machinery UK .

The Mountain Rescue Teams have received a £2,000 donation from Hitachi Construction Machinery UK following an appeal last month that will allow them to purchase a new digital radio system.

Ian Nixon, Team Leader of Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team said: “In recent years it’s been great to see more people coming to Northumberland and taking part in outdoor adventure. However, with that has come a greater number of callouts.

“These days, we’re not just working in the mountains, we’re also working more with Northumbria Police in the search for missing children and vulnerable adults in rural and urban areas.

”In total we cover 2,159 square miles and last year was our busiest on record, as we responded to 66 incidents.

To respond to that increasing demand, it’s essential team members have their own GPS tracking radio handset. Thanks to these generous donations, our volunteers can now be fully equipped.”

John Jones the CEO of Hitachi Construction Machinery UK explains: as part of our corporate and social responsibility, we are delighted to make this donation, which will dramatically improve the Northumbria Mountain Rescue Service’s vital communication system. This will allow them to be more responsive in the rescues and searches that form part of their daily lives.

As a charity, the Mountain Rescue Teams rely heavily on support from the public and local businesses. The Teams have also received other generous donations towards the new digital radio system, including £12,500 from The Henfrey Trust. The remaining money was raised thanks to contributions from members of the public and supporters of the Mountain Rescue.