UPTON’S Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) is seeking support in order to continue the life-saving help it provides, writes Aidan Kilcullen.
SARA as a volunteer-based search and rescue service, relies upon volunteers and donations to for the help it gives on rivers and water courses in the area.
The organisation recently received a donation to fund two drysuits worth £600 each from the Worcestershire County Councillor for Upton, Martin Allen.
He expressed the importance of this continued funding to keep the volunteers both safe and properly equipped.
David Williams, a SARA search and rescue technician, said “I want to thank Martin for securing this grant for us – it’s really important our dedicated volunteers have the right equipment to keep them safe and enable them to do what they train for.
“It costs over £1,200 to kit out a crew member – we are always grateful for any donation.
“A few pounds pays for fuel or small essentials like safety lights or gloves and there are many routine expenses such as equipment servicing and replacement, training courses etc.
“Every member of SARA from the CEO to the 14 individual rescue crews to four support crews are unpaid volunteers, so every pound donated goes directly to running Upton’s Rescue Station and the wonderful people who give up their time in all weathers to help those who need them.”
If anyone wishes to donate and support Sara, they can visit: sara-rescue.org.uk/support-sara to donate £5 or £10.
Alternatively, call 01684 472808 or email [email protected] for more information.
Additionally, people can go to: sara-rescue.org.uk to find out more about SARA and its work.
