We are pleased and honoured to announce that the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the Sheffield Hallam University “For its outstanding, sustained contribution to public safety and wellbeing through the service of selfless, dedicated volunteers” The award was collected on behalf of the PDMRO by Matt Dooley, Chairman; Keith Montgomery, Treasurer and Ian Bunting, Operations Officer. Upon accepting the award Matt Dooley said” I’m honoured to accept this award on behalf of the volunteers and teams within the PDMRO. I thank Sheffield Hallam University for recognising the contribution we make in keeping people safe and also being there for them in their greatest time of need. Many congratulations to the students of 2022, I hope they continue to enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors safely and responsibly for many years to come “The PDMRO consists of seven mountain rescue teams, Buxton Mountain Rescue Team, Derby Mountain Rescue Team, Edale Mountain Rescue Team, Glossop, Kinder Mountain Rescue Team, Oldham Mountain Rescue Team and Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team. As well as Derbyshire Cave Rescue Organisation and Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England. The PDMRO was founded in 1964 after the 4 Inns tragedy where three scouts lost their lives. Since that time the teams have provided a search and rescue service for the Peak District National Park and its surrounding areas 24hrs per day, 365 days per year. In recent times this has also included assisting the police in searches for missing vulnerable people in more semi-rural locations. As well as being part of the emergency service response to major incidents, including flooding and snow events. The teams were also present at Toddbrook Reservoir incident in 2019. The teams consist of more than 350 volunteers who give their time freely to assist others. In 2021 teams responded to 464 requests for assistance from the whole-time emergency services and spent over 20,000 person hours dealing with the incidents. This award is not only dedicated to the current members of the teams but also the many hundreds of people that have served with the PDMRO teams over the last 58 years and have laid the foundations for what the organisation is today. Mountain Rescue England and Wales
