A MOUNTAIN rescue team is celebrating its 70th anniversary of helping people in need on the fells.
Since 1953 Kendal Mountain Search and Rescue team has gone to the aid of people in difficulty.
According to the book K Fellfarers and High House, Kendal Mountain Rescue Search Team was initially made of a dozen of members.
By July 1959 the team had grown to 65 members, over a dozen of whom, including four team leaders, were Fellfarers.
On December 3 1959 a formal organisation was set up under the official name 'Kendal Mountain Search and Rescue Team'.
Team leader Kathryn Jackson, who has been with the team for 18 years, said technological developments have been crucial to improve their methods of action.
She said: "In the early years it was quite informal. Just walkers and climbers going out when they heard somebody being hurt and very basic equipment.
"Rescuers would only have a stretcher, a first aid kit and a list of telephone numbers that they could ring to get people to help through."
Today the rescue team is able to support people without leaving their base due to the existence of mapping softwares and the improvement of communication services.
When asked about the most impactful incidents over the years, she said: "The first thing that comes to mind is the flooding in Storm Desmond in December 2015. The team were involved right across through the weekend there - it was a very intense period of time."
She also recalls events such as the Morecambe Bay cockling disaster in 2004 and the Grayrigg derailment in 2007 when Kendal MRT was a major support to help getting people to the helicopters and the ambulances from the train.
Kathryn has thanked the community for the ongoing support.
She said: "We thank them for supporting us financially as we couldn't do it without their support.
"We fundraised for a new control vehicle a few years ago and the town was absolutely amazing and helped us making sure that we could do the best job that we can to help people whenever they need it."
The team is working on collecting information about the early years of their formation.
If you have any information contact secretary@kendalmrt.org.uk.
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