20 February 2007 00:00
Local search and rescue team benefits from Connah’s Quay Power Station’s festive fundraising

The team at North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) is £750 better off thanks to a special donation from the team at E.ON UK’s Connah’s Quay Power Station.

John Pacey, who has recently joined the station team as Plant Manager, welcomed members of the search and rescue team to site to receive their cheque.

He said: “Each year we hold a Christmas raffle at the power station and this year we’ve raised a record amount for charity.

“Last year one of our engineers, Thomas Czachur, was tragically killed in a canoeing accident and it was the NEWSAR team that lead the search after he went missing – there was absolutely no question of where we wanted that money to go to and I’m delighted that we’re able to support such a worthwhile cause.”

North East Wales Search & Rescue is a voluntary organisation which exists to provide assistance to people who are missing or in need of rescue. Their operational area covers 3,000 square miles, from the fringes of the Conwy Valley, across to the M6 and down as far as Welshpool, taking in North Shropshire.

Iain Ashcroft, NEWSAR Team Leader, said: “Our team is self-financing and relies entirely on fund-raising efforts by members. We need to raise up to £13,000 per year to run, including the basics like fuel and servicing for the Landrovers and insurance.

“Mountain Rescue receives no help from the government; therefore we rely on the generosity of the public and local businesses like E.ON to keep our valuable service to the community running.”

Ends

For further information and photographs contact:
Emily Highmore on 024 7618 3680

Photo caption:
E.ON UK Plant Manager John Pacey meets the NEWSAR team at Connah’s Quay Power Station