Unsung heroes need your vote

OLDHAMERS could help dedicated volunteers secure a donation to help save lives.

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team is urging the public to make their vote count as it bids to be crowned Team of the Year by Goodyear tyres.

As official safety partner to Mountain Rescue England and Wales, Goodyear launched the scheme last year to reward one team for their round-the-clock efforts with a £2,000 donation for safety equipment.

The public are now being asked to support the team to ensure it is are the proud recipients of the cash.

Mick Nield, volunteer and spokesman for Oldham Mountain Rescue, said: “As with all teams across England and Wales, we are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Last year, the team members willingly gave 1,778 man-hours directly assisting casualties in a wide variety of incidents.

“Many were not in the popularly perceived role of a mountain rescue team and were assisting the emergency services to help ordinary members of our community.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to not only obtain funds towards much-needed equipment, but to also help us educate the local community on the full repertoire of services which we provide.

“Although the team operates without any thought of reward or recognition, it is always pleasing to know that our contribution is appreciated.

“Being crowned Team of the Year would be a significant boost to morale.”

As part of the partnership, Goodyear has pledged to fund the roll-out of GPS navigational equipment to help track those involved in rescues more accurately and provide vital rescue support as quickly as possible. It has also made sets of its 4x4 tyres available to teams for their rescue vehicles.

Brand manager Michelle Fisher said: “As experts in the field of safety and innovation, Goodyear is extremely proud to be supporting a life-saving organisation such as this.

“By launching this award we hope to draw attention to the fantastic work that Mountain Rescue do and reward one team with an additional donation to be spent on safety equipment.

“We hope to see the local community showing their support by placing their vote and helping them continue to provide this outstanding service.”

To vote for Oldham Mountain Rescue Team and help them secure the donation, visit www.mygoodyear.co.uk .