This week, the province of Cumberland and Westmorland proudly celebrated the launch of a new lifeboat for the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team.
The funding appeal for this essential vessel began some time ago, and the province, in collaboration with the Masonic Charitable Foundation, was thrilled to contribute an impressive £13,396, covering 17% of the total cost.
This generous amount included a heartfelt donation from Mrs. Lightburn, in memory of her late husband, Captain Peter Lightburn, a former Deputy Provincial Grand Master. The MCF matched this donation.
The lifeboat will be crucial for transporting the Mountain Rescue Team across Ullswater, enabling them to reach the eastern mountains where vehicle access is severely limited.
Many rescues occur on the far shore of Ullswater, where road vehicles either cannot reach the incident sites or face significant delays, especially during busy times. With the rising popularity of water sports like wild swimming, paddle boarding, and canoeing, this lifeboat is a vital piece of rescue equipment. It will help save lives and ensure that the mountains and lakes in the province remain safe for visitors.
