TV spotlight shines on mountain rescue team
Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 16 June 2023
Oldham mountain rescue team member Justin Parkinson with a member of the BBC film crew
The legendary Oldham Mountain Rescue Team welcomed a BBC North West team to their Greenfield base as they were preparing a piece on the use of the Greater Manchester Police Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme / Proceeds of Crime Funds, which aired yesterday (Thursday).
In the picture (above) is team member Justin Parkinson with a member of the BBC film crew.
After nearly 20 years of service the team's faithful minibus, OM4, failed its MOT in March 2022.
As part of fundraising efforts, the team applied for a grant from the Greater Manchester Police ARIS / Proceeds of Crime funds, and were successful.
The money raised has covered the significant majority of the cost and fit out of the team’s new minibus (OM4).
They are obviously hugely thankful to Greater Manchester Police for these funds and their ongoing support.
They took delivery of the new OM4 minibus chassis in May 2023 and it is now being readied for conversion and fit out by local vehicle converter Venari, who are undertaking the work and providing parts for free.
Venari Group also supported on the conversion of the new control vehicle (OM3) for free and are a long term supporter of the team.
So huge thanks also to the Venari team for their continued fantastic support.
The rescue team's job would be considerably harder without the support of partners such as Greater Manchester Police and Venari, as well as the wider community.
You can catch the BBC North West piece on BBC iPlayer.
Oldham Mountain Rescue is a voluntary organisation whose objective it to “save life and alleviate distress, primarily in upland and mountain areas without cost or obligation”.
Their team of 50-plus volunteers provide a professional rescue service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
They are funded almost entirely by generous public donation.
Check out the rescue team's website at: www.omrt.org
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