Northamptonshire Search and Rescue team has '˜busiest week ever'

During the first week of the year, the team of volunteers, who are funded by donations, were called out Northampton three times to assist Northamptonshire Police in the search for a missing person.

The team also helped with searches in the Bedford area and helped with a casualty evacuation in Irchester.

NSAR Chairman Neil Balderson said: “The team are tired, but extremely pleased that have been able support our police force and sister lowland rescue teams, we have had members taking holiday from work to support the callouts.

“The part the public don’t see is the behind the scenes work, after hours searching members go home and clean and dry all there own equipment ready for the next day, and it all takes time.”

Equipment Officer David McBurnie said team members have already given more than 250 hours of their time to help search for missing people as well attending training sessions.

He said: “To get called to five different searches in a week is hard work, but we’ve had support from friends family and other teams. We’re all just glad to be able to help.”

“The team also wish to express there thanks to Warwickshire, Leicestershire, and Midshires Search teams who came to assist. Further more to Virgin Active gym, who allowed the members to use facilities and provided hot water during the week.

“It’s really the little things that help.”

People are able to donate to the team or find out more information by visiting http://northantssar.org/donate/