Pledge A Pound To Wasdale MRT

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team is trying to raise £18,000 this year to replace vital equipment and contribute to running costs. To get started, they've set up a Pledge a Pound website where - surprise, surprise - you can pledge a pound to help support their work. Payments can be made instantly using a Paypal account, credit or debit card, and all funds go directly to Wasdale MRT. What's more, you could win a weekend for two at the Wasdale Head Inn if your name comes out of the hat at the end of the campaign. So, you have the chance of a free weekend's walking and, more importantly, you're doing your bit for the Mountain Rescue at the same time. Sounds good to us.

Wasdale MRT, and Mountain Rescue Teams in general, depend entirely on charitable donations - quite a challenge given that Wasdale MRT's operational costs average £15,000 per year. So, put your hands in your pockets folks and give them a hand.

As well as paying operational costs, the money raised will go towards replacing the team's aging Propaq. Now, we'll admit that we're more clued up on our soft shells and waterproofs than on rescue equipment. However, those in the know about all things medical tell us that this is a device for measuring oxygen levels in the blood, blood pressure, pulse rate, and for generally keeping an eye on a casualty while (s)he's being brought down off the mountain. Sounds handy, although the catch is that a new one costs £15,000 to £18,000. Ouch!

If you want to help send a Propaq Wasdale MRT's way, there's a full weekend of fundraising activities taking place from 21st - 23rd July as well as the donate a pound campaign. You can camp for free next door to the hotel or Barn Door shop and empty your pockets at some of the following events:

• the beer festival
• the Lingmell Dash Fell Race
• the Wastwater Challenge, with Charles Potter attempting to become the first person to swim the length of the lake underwater
• simulated rescues
• an exhibition stand where you can try your hand at putting together a stretcher faster than the Mountain Rescue Team
• Kern Knotts Auction
• probably plenty of things we've missed!

See a full itinerary for the weekend on the Wasdale Mountain Rescue website. So far, the 'donate a pound' campaign has made £634.56 for the team ... and counting. Don't put it off too long though, as the site will close after the fundraising weekend.