Oldham Mountain Rescue Team is marking its 50th anniversary by launching a fundraising campaign for new equipment, following a recent call-out to assist a walker at Dovestone Reservoir.

On Friday 19 June, the team was called after a walker sustained a suspected broken leg on the main path around the reservoir. Using one of their 4x4 Land Rovers, rescuers were able to reach the casualty quickly and provide assistance, demonstrating the vital role their vehicles play in such emergencies.

This year, the team celebrates five decades of voluntary service to the Oldham community and the surrounding moorland. As part of the anniversary, they have looked back on their history, sharing stories that highlight how the team has grown from humble beginnings to a modern rescue service.

The team's origins trace back to the winter of 1963, when an avalanche in Wilderness Gully, Chew Valley, tragically killed two climbers. This event spurred the formation of the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team in 1964, with volunteers dedicating themselves to keeping people safe across the Saddleworth and Peak District areas.

In the early years, the team operated with basic equipment and just a single Land Rover. By 1997, they were still reliant on that one vehicle, but over the past two decades they have expanded their fleet and resources to meet growing demand. Today, they respond to a range of incidents, from injured walkers on popular routes to searches in remote terrain.

Now, the team is fundraising for new equipment as part of their anniversary celebrations. This includes maintaining their fleet of 4x4s, essential for reaching casualties on rough paths around reservoirs like Dovestone and Dove Stone, and upgrading medical and communication gear. Donations from the public are crucial for ensuring the team can continue its work.

The presence of the rescue team is a key part of the local community in Oldham. With thousands of visitors enjoying the moors each year, quick responses from these volunteers save lives and reduce the impact of accidents. The team's history is intertwined with the landscape itself, from Chew Valley to Greenfield.

Those interested in supporting the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team can find fundraising details on their official website. The team remains a beacon of volunteer spirit, and with public backing, they are set to carry on helping those in need for years to come.