Shock £60,000 donation for rescue team

The generous - and surprise - cheque for £60,000 was presented at the Community Foundation for Calderdale’s 25th birthday celebration at Dean Clough, Halifax.

Each year, the foundation identifies priorities and needs for communities across Calderdale and issues grants based on those needs. Last Friday, CVSRT leader Ben Carter, deputy Jonathan Cole and chairman Pete Farnell attended the event to mark the occasion, but had no idea what was about to happen.

The group were called on to the stage and presented with the cheque in front of a packed audience. It will now be used to replace the team’s ageing control vehicle, which will cost around £70,000 to purchase and specially adapt for mountain rescue service.

The team said: “This incredible donation is the single largest vote of confidence the team has received which will allow us to proceed with the replacement vehicle project.

“It costs around £35,000 a year just to keep the team operational, this sum does not include the cost of purchasing any new equipment or replacing vehicles. All funds are raised through generous donations from the community and local businesses, as we receive no direct government funding.

“CVSRT is literally in shock and we are eternally grateful to the Community Foundation for Calderdale. This concludes our golden jubilee year beautifully. Our sincere thanks to everyone for their support.”

A grant of £5,000 was also given to the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre. The money will be used to complete flood protection measures and repairs the Holme Street theatre has been working on since Boxing Day.

Michael Peel, Hebden Bridge Little Theatre chairman, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Community Foundation for their support during the past 25 years.”