Volunteer driver scheme for wintry weather gets £10,000 cash boost
Feb 10 2012
A UNIQUE group of volunteers who use their driving skills to help in emergency situations have received a cash boost of nearly £10,000.
The Midland Rover Owners Club 4x4 Response was given the funding by the Big Lottery to help with their work of voluntarily using their vehicles to help communities in all weather conditions.
The grant of £9,846 has allowed the group to develop its response service, buy protective clothing and has enabled members to train and certificate in off-road driving, winching techniques and vehicle recovery.
During the severe weather last winter, the group drove palliative and critical care medical staff to terminally ill patients to administer medication as well as being used for welfare checks on stranded motorists, area searches and assisting evacuations.
Graeme Smith, Warwickshire’s chief fire officer and chairman of Warwickshire Prepared, welcomed the news. He said: “This is very welcome help to a group who carry out an incredible service to communities – not just their own – and which relies on the generosity and good will of its volunteers. It means that there will be more support for emergency services when destinations are snowed in, flooded or off road. Their support can make a critical difference to emergency services and other public bodies.
“It is typical of the volunteers’ positive attitude towards putting something back into communities that this richly deserved grant has been earmarked for developing the service to increase its capacity. We are delighted to have them as a partner, helping us to protect the people of Warwickshire.”
To support the volunteers or for more information, contact John Kesterton by emailing response@mroc.co.uk
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