One of the oldest and largest cave rescue teams in the country has put out an urgent plea for fundraising help to modernise important kit.

Several of the South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team members played important parts in the Thai cave rescue and the team has helped in mining disasters, searched for missing persons and have always turned out to help animals trapped underground, as well as their core activity of helping when cavers are in trouble.

They now need help with a modernisation programme to upgrade their radios and digital control equipment, as well as replacing their stretchers, and are hoping to raise £15,000 to allow this much-needed work to proceed.

COVID-19 has caused huge funding problems for volunteer organisations as funds have diverted to other causes and as a result, the team are facing a large funding shortfall.

Julian Carter, South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team warden, says: “The projects supported by this fundraiser will greatly improve and modernise the team’s operational abilities. The new stretchers are modular and have a much improved head restraint system, and will improve casualty care and handling, whilst the communication and control upgrades will make control more efficient, and ensure we are compatible with our colleagues in the other volunteer and professional rescue services.”

All donations, large and small, will be very much appreciated and will help the team to continue the vital work that all cavers, and many others, rely on.

Read more about the appeal on their website, and donations can be made via the donate button at the top of that page or via their fundraising page.

 

All photos courtesy of South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team.