But if you do and are shopping in Blacks, Millets or Ultimate Outdoors who all come under JD Sports Fashion plc have pledged to donate all proceeds from the plastic bag charge to our Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) umbrella organisation for the next 3 years.

This news was announced at last weekends AGM, which was held at the Lancashire Constabulary headquarters in Hutton, Preston. An initial cheque for £218,000 was presented to Chairman Mike France, by Traci Corrie, Chair of the JD Foundation.

Mike France, Chairman, Mountain Rescue England and Wales said:

“We spend a lot of time asking people to help us with our work, so for someone to come to us and offer support out of the blue is overwhelming and very much appreciated.  To receive a cheque for a few thousand means we can sometimes make changes; to receive a cheque for this value is a game changer and is going to give us the means to look at our long-term strategy.”  He adds: “This donation will allow our highly trained Mountain Rescue members to do what they are trained for – attending rescues – instead of spending so much of their time fundraising.  We are absolutely delighted.”

Traci Corrie, Chair of The JD Foundation said:

“Mountain Rescue is a vital commodity but, as a non-profit organisation, it is reliant on the generosity and support of the public to maintain its valuable community service.  That’s why we chose them as our environmental charity and we are delighted to be able to give our support and help them with their long term planning.”

Bolton Mountain Rescue have benefitted from the bulk purchasing deals MREW have arranged including our Mountain Equipment Fitzroy belay jackets, Paramo Fuera Ascent jacket and ropes.

All at Bolton Mountain Rescue would like to thank the JD Foundation for this kind commitment.