Blessed with good weather, Darwen Gala & Fell Races were held this afternoon, with the Team and Support Group turning out in force to support both events. Fourteen operational team members provided stand by rescue cover for the Fell Races, fortunately with no serious incidents to attend to, except for a young competitor suffering a nose bleed at the end of the race, who was provided with care by team members. There were 111 competitors in the main race of the afternoon.

Meanwhile on the Gala Field, with our team mini-bus on display amongst the many stalls and attractions, eight of our Support Group members held a second-hand bookstall and cake stall. Team member Steve Nelson was also present with our trainee search dog, Boris, and thanks to the generosity of the many visitors and their families at the Gala, donations totalling £98.87 were received, including a donation from grateful family members of the fell race competitor who suffered the nose bleed. A further £50 donated by the Darwen Gala Committee for our presence at the Gala and Fell Races brought the total to £148.87. Many thanks to the Support Group and team members who baked delicious cakes for the stall.

Photo shows L to R: Steve Nelson with Boris, Johanne Lamb, Hanna Zadlo, Peter Critchley, Julie Thompson, Iain Clarkson, Caroline Mitchell

This was the 45th year of the Darwen Gala & Fell Races organised by Darwen Gala Committee, long-standing supporters of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team. We look forward to continuing to support this event – and next year hope for their usual success in ordering fine weather for the day!