The Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team has moved closer to its dream of building a new headquarters, thanks to a £3,000 donation from Park Cliffe, a family-owned holiday park in Windermere.

The funds were raised over the past year through initiatives like a popular duck race, charity raffles supported by local businesses, and guest contributions via the park’s collection box. Park Cliffe added a final £400 to round off the donation.

Currently, the Duddon and Furness team is the only one among the ten Lake District mountain rescue groups without a permanent, purpose-built base. A new HQ would provide crucial facilities, including a warm space for volunteers returning from challenging rescues on the fells.

Park Cliffe owner Susan Dickson expressed pride in the efforts of their team and guests: “Many of our visitors are avid walkers who value the life-saving work of mountain rescue teams. Their generosity will help bring this goal closer and support these incredible volunteers,” she said.

In addition to supporting the rescue team, Park Cliffe celebrated its own achievements this year, winning the Federation of Small Businesses 2024 regional award for sustainability.