The replacement of equipment has put the Ogwen Valley team member back on the hills. Photo: Ogwen Valley MRO
A mountain rescuer who had gear stolen when thieves took a rucksack from the volunteer’s car has had medical equipment replaced by kind-hearted company bosses.
The Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation member’s gear disappeared last month when the car was raided outside their home near Bethesda.
The kit was vital for the volunteer’s work as part of the rapid response team, which goes to the aid of stricken walkers and climbers on the mountains of the Glyderau, Carneddau, Tryfan and surrounding areas.
Chris Lloyd of the Ogwen Valley team said Openhouse Products, a Birkenhead medical equipment company, generously replaced all medical equipment as a donation.
Openhouse Products’ managing director Andrew Jones said “Openhouse has always been supporters of local businesses and charitable volunteers, so when we heard that an equipment bag had been stolen from one of the volunteers at Ogwen Valley mountain rescue team, we were happy to help out and donate what we could, to replace what was stolen.
“It is always strange to hear stories such as this. Why would anybody feel it necessary to steal lifesaving equipment? We are just happy we could help.”
Mr Lloyd said Páramo had also replaced the volunteer’s salopettes and mountain jacket ‘at a very favourable rate’.
“Both these companies deserve a big vote of thanks,” he said. They have helped put our team member back on the hill to save those in distress on our mountains.”
The stolen gear was in a black Pod rucksack containing a team Icom radio; team white Petzl helmet; team first aid kit; team high-visibility orange waistcoat with Mountain Rescue on its back; a bag containing four red karabiners; a blue tape sling; a red tape sling; long white tape and 10m of 8mm kermantle; a red Páramo Aspira jacket and a similar orange one; two pairs of salopettes; a Mammut orange extreme fleece, and a headtorch.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101.
