Prince William is to be the new patron of Mountain
Rescue England and Wales according to the organisation's web
site, and let's face it, it's not something you'd make up.
It's great news for the 55-plus Mountain Rescue Teams - MRTs -
that make up the organisation and follows on from the heir to the
throne's 'work experience' with an RAF MRT before he joined the
army.
It's a timely move as the organisation prepares to celebrate its
75th anniversary next year and one that will hopefully raise the
profile of MRTs, which rely entirely on donations for their funding
south of the border.
Chairman of Mountain Rescue - England & Wales, David Allan,
commented:
'It is with great delight and pride that we are able to announce
that Prince William has taken on the role of Patron for Mountain
Rescue in England and Wales.
'For many years we have deliberated whether mountain rescue should
seek a patron who holds a prominent position in the country. These
discussions have always foundered because we have been certain that
we could only work with someone who empathised with mountain rescue
and its raison d'etre.'
'We believe that, apart from the honour bestowed, there will be
very tangible benefits to mountain rescue. We also sincerely hope
that Prince William will gain from his association with our
organisation. He has expressed a desire to be involved and to meet
the people who deliver the service on the hill and we look forward to
that.'
William himself reportedly said he felt 'honoured' at the role
having seen the work of MRTs at close quarters. Hello Magazine, says
the Prince was actually 'thrilled' at the opportunity adding, it is
"an amazing organisation, full of unsung heroes."
The Prince is also president of the Football Association.
More details at www.mountain-rescue.org.uk
and www.hellomagazine.com.
Climbing accidents keep rescue teams busy over holiday weekend.
