Penrith Mountain Rescue to Launch New Base Campaign at GO Outdoors 
Store Opening
Penrith, Saturday May 26th: Penrith Mountain Rescue Team (www.penrithmrt.org.uk) is officially launching its new campaign to raise funds for a new Cumbrian base.
Bosses at the new GO Outdoors store in Penrith have offered to host the voluntary search and rescue organisation’s first campaign event as part of their own store-opening celebrations.
Team members from Penrith Mountain Rescue Team will be attending the new GO Outdoors store opening on Saturday May 26th on Ullswater Road in Penrith (formerly occupied J.T. Atkinson and Sons Home and Garden Centre)
In addition to showing equipment and offering free advice about safety in the outdoors, they’ll be answering questions about the current update on options and plans for their new Base.
The Chair of Penrith Mountain Rescue Team, John Whittle, said,
“Our current Base at Isobella Carlton House, Tynefield Avenue in Penrith has been our home for more than 25 years. It’s been our Base for more than 800 call outs and rescues. But to continue to maintain and improve our service throughout Cumbria we need improved facilities and more space and that ultimately means making a move”.
“Our current preferred locations are all in the Penrith area. But, wherever we end up it will mean another expense in addition to the running costs already met by generous donations. We’re delighted to be part of the new GO Outdoors store launch as it gives us a great platform to remind people of our work, and hopefully encourage their continued support.”
In 2010, Penrith Mountain Rescue Team celebrated its 50th anniversary. It is manned entirely by dedicated, trained volunteers who freely give their time and skills to provide a search and rescue resource to support Cumbria Constabulary. The team consists of approximately 40
members from all over North East Cumbria and from all walks of life including doctors, teachers and engineers.
PMRT covers the largest geographic area of any of the Lakes District Mountain Rescue Teams taking in 2500 sq km. The area stretches from the Scottish border as far south as Haweswater and from Cumbria’s boundary with Northumberland west to the Solway Firth, including the towns of Carlisle, Penrith and Brampton.
GO Outdoors store manager, Colin Bell, said,
“We’re pleased that Penrith Mountain Rescue Team agreed to join or store opening celebrations. Just like us, the team share a true passion for the outdoors and the beautiful Cumbrian countryside. As a new member of the Cumbrian outdoor community we were delighted to help spread the word about the team’s amazing dedication to the cause; and support their efforts in building an exciting new future.”
The Penrith opening on Saturday May 26th represents the UK ’s largest outdoor retailer’s first Cumbrian store.The 36,000 square feet store represents a £1.5 million investment and is generating 40 new jobs.
In addition to the Mountain Rescue Team’s attendance, the store opening will also feature the crowning of the new Cumbrian Outdoor Adventurer of the Year; outdoor climbing wall and international climber Drew Haigh with climbing demonstrations
