Cave Rescue Organisation members with their new off-road ambulance

A volunteer rescue team is putting one of its vehicles up for sale on eBay, to help pay for its new ambulance.

The Cave Rescue Organisation took delivery of its new Land Rover recently and plans to offer its decommissioned one on the internet auction site to raise cash.

The Clapham-based team carries out rescues both on the fells and in the caves of the Yorkshire Dales, and its new off-road ambulance has been specially modified for use in rescues.

A spokesperson for the CRO said: “The Land Rover Defender 130 will be used as an off-road ambulance and also as a personnel carrier to transport team members to incidents within the Yorkshire Dales and further afield.

“The layout of the interior was specially converted to improve the stretcher carrying capability and casualty care.

“Additional forward facing seats and an external roll cage enhance passenger safety and comfort, both on and off-road. The vehicle has LED exterior lighting for improved working conditions at the road-head or forward base, and has been fitted with a snorkel to increase its capabilities in flood conditions.”

The organisation is also appealing to walkers to help it raise much needed cash for its operations by tackling a challenge later this year.

The spokesperson continued: “The team receives no direct funding from the Government so continual fundraising is essential to ensure the rescue service functions, especially for major expenditure items such as vehicle replacement.

“With this in mind, CRO are looking for people to join them in raising funds by undertaking the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, a walk with a difference.

“The aim of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is to complete a route of 24 miles [39km] taking in the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, within a period of 12 hours.

“The event will take place on 12 November which means there will be limited daylight and the onset of winter conditions, creating a very special challenge.

“Participants will need map-reading and compass skills to navigate themselves round the route, but there is no need to worry as the volunteers from CRO will be on hand if any help is required.”

Last year’s Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in aid of the CRO brought in £3,000, despite being stage during August downpours.

The team is looking for a minimum sponsorship of £50 from each entrant for the walk, and says it is happy for any additional funds either to go to the CRO or a charity of the participant’s choice.

More details are available on the Cave Rescue Organisation’s website or by emailing the organisers.