THREE volunteer members from Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team were in Stokesley to receive a cheque for £10,991.37 donated by the Co-op Community Fund.

Co-op members had nominated the team to receive one per cent of the cost of Co-op products goods bought over a 12-month period. That alone raised more than £5,000 which was then boosted by a donation from the Co-op.

Mike Gallagher, from the team, said: “This is a massive and very welcome donation and on behalf of everyone at Cleveland Mountain Rescue a big thank you to everyone at the Co-op Community Fund and the many members who chose us as their nominated charity. The Co-op donation is being used to support our water and flood rescue training, which is a significant and costly commitment.

"Last year, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, nine of our volunteers completed their three-day revalidation course to remain as swiftwater rescue technicians and one volunteer completed his four-day initial course."

The Cleveland Team is registered with DEFRA as a water rescue team and volunteers are always on standby to respond to local water incidents, and flooding incidents both locally and further afield.

Steven Lee, the Co-op duty manager, was on hand to present the cheque at the Stokesley Co-op store. He paid tribute to the work of the team and to the Co-op members who so generously backed their cause.

Eileen Driver of the Co-op National Members Council, said: "It is tremendous for our communities in Stokesley and Ayton this last year to have received almost £11,000 for the heroic Mountain Rescue Team, almost £9,000 for SPIOTA and almost £9,000 for Ayton Cricket Club – all from Co-op members spending in the brilliant Co-op businesses in Stokesley and Ayton in one year. Co-op members and businesses have worked together during the last five years, raising £134,000 to benefit many more community projects like these. The Co-op is a terrific business model for our community."

  • The Mountain Rescue Team helped with the traditional Santa Sleigh Run through Great Ayton on Wednesday, December 23. The arrangements were different to normal owing to Covid-19 restrictions, with people being asked to stay in their household bubbles and maintain social distancing, but the event still raised £273 via online donations for the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum. The team would like to thank everyone who turned out on the night observing the social distancing rules and to those who donated.