Volunteer based Woodhead Mountain Rescue have just been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team provide a volunteer based emergency search and rescue service to support communities and blue light services across South Yorkshire.
Keith Wakely – Team Leader of Woodhead Mountain Rescue says: “I am delighted with the award, it is recognition of the dedication, selfless commitment and voluntary service our team members have put in over many many years and continue to do so to provide a vital high quality rescue service to alleviate distress and suffering in our local upland and community areas. All team members give their time voluntarily in service to our community without any expectation of reward, I am proud to lead such a dedicated group of volunteers and all our team members I am sure are most grateful to receive such a prestigious award.”
Simon Rippon – Chair of Woodhead Mountain Rescue “We are extremely proud to be awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. We are a service that operates 365 days a year, seven days a week and 24 hours a day supporting local people, communities and working with Emergency Services… we rely on our fundraising efforts and the generosity of local people and businesses to keep operating. As we are entering our 50th Anniversary year this award is positive recognition of all the team members past and present and their dedication”
Woodhead Mountain Rescue is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Representatives of Woodhead Mountain Rescue will receive the award crystal and certificate from Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE RN Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire later next summer.