So how exactly do we raise this money?

The Mourne Mountain Rescue Team is an entirely voluntary organisation. We rely almost totally on fundraising to equip and run our team. We receive some grant aid from the Sports Council of Northern Ireland towards training and equipment costs, but otherwise we rely on charitable donations and fundraising.

Funds are required for The Team to operate to the highest standards of technical, medical and safety requirements; to maintain and insure the Landrover Ambulances; to replace essential equipment; and to pay for essential training.

Our annual running costs are in the region of £10000 - £15000 per year. Along with applications to grant giving bodies, a large amount of our income is generated from fundraising events throughout the year. Like all Mountain Rescue Teams across the country, The Mourne MRT is a voluntary organisation with charity status, relying on the generosity of many individuals, groups and organisations to help raise the funds that are necessary to run the team.

We raise all our funds in many different ways, we usually try to arrange several big fundraising events every year in order to increase our funds. These events can take the form of flag days, car boot sales or sponsored events where the members of the public can help us to raise money. Collection tins in some of the local shops also helps considerably with the raising of funds.

Much of our income comes in the form of small, annual, donations from the likes of private individuals, clubs and organisations and people we've rescued. In addition to this team members undertake talks and lectures to interested groups, and many of these groups make donations as their way of thanking us.