Bloor Homes donation supports Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue
Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue (ASSAR) is the recipient of a £1K donation from Bloor Homes after volunteer, Dave Parke approached the developer to help towards vital equipment and training that will equip the team to find people and potentially save lives.
Dave, whose parents recently moved to Bloor Homes’ Mendip View development in Cheddar, got in touch with Bloor Homes’ South West team to see if they would be able to help.
Chris Thring, Chairman at ASSAR, said: “As a charity, wholly funded by donations and funding we are grateful for donations from businesses like Bloor Homes and the general public. They enable us to maintain team training to the highest standards within Mountain Rescue (England & Wales) and to invest in the equipment we need to locate people and help save lives.
“With clothing for a team member costing £300, a two-way radio costing £500, and swift water rescue training for a team member coming in at c.£2000, we really do rely on fundraising for our day-to-day rescue services. In addition, we are currently saving for a new vehicle to replace our old Land Rover at a substantial cost of £50K, so we really are thankful for any support we receive.”
ASSAR is a local charity providing a valued search and rescue service covering 1855sq miles, run entirely by dedicated volunteers like Dave, who joined as a trainee member in 2022. The 65 volunteer members come from a variety of backgrounds, including retired and current police officers, paramedics and other professionals ready to support the police, fire, and ambulance services in emergency events and in the search for high-risk, vulnerable missing people.
In addition, ASSAR provides specialist rescue and medical services to people in danger on cliffs, in the water and on difficult terrain, requiring specialist training, skills and equipment and the organisation.
Stephanie Ubl, Sales Manager for Bloor Homes, said: “Our team at Mendip View helped Dave’s parents to move to their new home and as he played a part in their move, the team soon got chatting to him. The ASSAR team are on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and they do an amazing job in times of need. As soon as Dave approached us about a donation we were more than happy to respond.”
Chris said: “We have upwards of 40 callouts per year across the whole region including regular callouts in the Cheddar area – people can go missing for all kinds of reasons. In addition to Somerset and Avon, we provide support to our neighbouring Search and Rescue Areas in Exmoor, Wiltshire, Dorset and beyond, as required. Our team of volunteers is expanding to help meet the increased demand of support from the Police and Emergency Services but as a charity with 100% funding through donations and fundraising, we really need – and appreciate - financial support from local businesses and members of the public. Thank you to Bloor Homes for their help.”