THE SOUTH Snowdonia Search and rescue team (SSSART for short) has just launched a fundraiser to help them rescue their own vehicles from, amongst other things, the unwanted attention of local cows.
The team, which was recently featured in the BBC series SOS: Extreme Rescues, has it’s base near Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd where it doesn’t have anywhere to store the vehicles. They not only have to contend with the weather, but also over-friendly cattle and sheep as well as vandals and theft.
Kirstie Lumsdon, SSSART team leader explains: “Our two team vehicles have really suffered over the years, with dents, broken wing mirrors and scratches – which is what the cows like to do against the vehicles, not to mention malicious damage from vandals and thieves.”
The team has been fortunate to obtain support from the government, through Gwynedd Council to build a garage, but need to raise a further £5,000 to complete the project, due to escalating costs. the fundraiser can be found at the following link https://www.facebook.com/donate/335866592852702
Kirstie believes the project will make a huge difference to the team.
She said: “Our vehicles are such an important part of the service we offer. A garage will enable us to keep the vehicles in much better condition, away from the elements as well as would-be vandals – both animal and human.
“It will also help us to respond faster to call-outs as we will not have to spend precious time loading and unloading equipment, which we’ll be able to keep in the vehicles.”
Kirstie added: “We’d be grateful for any contributions, however small, to help us make this project a reality for our team, who are all volunteers, on call 24/7 365 days a year. We think the cows will be OK with the new arrangement too!”
