Leading Devon home builder donates thousands to Dartmoor Search and Rescue

Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter, a leading homebuilder in the region, has announced a donation of £1,500 to North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (NDSRT).

Formed in 1969 and based in Okehampton, NDSRT is a dedicated volunteer organisation that plays a vital role in the safety and wellbeing of an area which includes Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. The team, comprising 37 highly trained volunteers, are on call 365 days a year to search for lost walkers and ensure injured and sick casualties are safely recovered. The team is often mobilised by the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary following a 999 call, and they respond immediately, day or night.

In addition to the approximately 30 callouts they get each year, NDSRT provides safety cover and marshalling for the Ten Tors Challenge, an annual two-day expedition across Dartmoor for over 2,000 teenagers. NDSRT’s selfless dedication has saved lives and provided invaluable support to people in crisis.

NDSRT receives no government funding, relying solely on self-raised funds to sustain its operations, which amount to over £30,000 annually. However, this budget does not cover recent major capital endeavours such as upgrading volunteers' waterproof clothing and procuring and fitting out a new Incident Control vehicle.

The £1,500 contribution from Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter will be allocated to vital operational requirements and training programs for NDSRT volunteers. This funding will bolster their ability to carry out their duties and guarantee they have the essential resources to respond swiftly to emergencies.

Nicki Reid, sales director at Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter, affirmed her company's dedication to the local community and admiration for NDSRT, stating, "We take pride in backing the North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team in their essential life-saving efforts. As a local homebuilder, we view it as our duty to support their mission. This contribution symbolises our gratitude for their invaluable service."

Ian Perrior, Deputy Team Leader of NDSRT, said, "We extend our gratitude to Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter for their generous donation. This funding will enhance our capacity to promptly respond to emergencies, support equipment maintenance, and provide essential life-saving training to our volunteers."

Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter looks forward to continuing its commitment to the community and to supporting organisations like NDSRT that make a significant difference in the lives of local residents.