A FUNDRAISING walk for the Ashburton branch of the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team has received a £500 kickstart from minerals firm Sibelco.
On Sunday April 19 up to 150 people are expected to tackle the 18-mile Templer Way from Haytor Rocks to the mouth of the River Teign.
Starting at 9am they hope to reach The Green, Shaldon, some five – seven hours later.
Money donated by sponsors and well-wishers will help generate the £15,000 it costs each year to keep the 24-hour team of voluntary emergency responders on the road.
Alan Pewsey, fundraising officer for the group, said: ‘Our Templer Way Challenge is now in its fifth year and we are delighted that Sibelco has kindly given this important fundraising event a boost with a £500 donation.
‘We rely on businesses and the public to fund the lifesaving work we do as around 92 per cent of our annual operational costs comes from donations.
‘Sibelco’s generosity has really kicked off this years event in the best way possible and we are very grateful to them for this wonderful support.’
The 18-mile Templer Way passes close to some of Sibelco’s South Devon clay sites.
The firm’s director of Kingsteignton operations, Richard Giles, said: ‘When we heard about the Templer Way Challenge it just felt like the right thing to lend it our support.
‘We try to help the community when and where we can and as a firm that puts safety above all other considerations the activities of the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team seemed a perfect fit.
‘The members are all volunteers and on top of their search and rescue work they have to find time to raise most of their income too, hats off to them.
‘The group carries out missions across south Devon, not just Dartmoor as many people seem to think, and if our involvement can help in any way to raise awareness of that it would be great, we’ll certainly spread the word.
‘We wish all those who take part in the challenge the best of luck and hope the day generates some serious income, please give generously.’
Places may still be available on the walk. Visit www.dsrtashburton.org.uk/templerway for details.
