Climbers build a mountain of donations for Nepal appeal

Edale Mountain Rescue sent out a plea for help to its members and other outdoor enthusiasts to donate their old gear, including tents, sleeping bags, clothing and footwear to help the thousands left out in the cold after Nepal’s devastating earthquake struck two weeks ago.

A collection last week produced two van loads of equipment to be flown out to the Himalayas after the massive tremor measuring 7.8 on the Richter Scale, which is believed to have killed over 10,000.

It was meant to be sent out on May 12, the day the second quake hit killing at least 40 people and injuring 1,000 more, but due to shipping delays will be arriving later in the month.

Fundraising officer Dave Torr, 60, set the appeal as soon as he heard the news of the disaster.

The retired telecoms engineer who now dedicates his energy to the mountain rescue said: “I donated online but I just felt that I wanted to do more so I called around to see if anyone was doing a collection, I found this ex-ranger who’s done disaster appeals before, Bob James.

“And once I found an outlet to take the stuff, we called around all our members, and they called the friends, and the pile just grew and grew.”

Edale’s team has 55 members on call 24 hours a day, and there are around 300 mountain rescuers around the Peak District in total - and between them the call went viral around the climbing community, with hundreds of people donating old gear to the cause, amounting to two full van loads, which filled a whole shipping container.”

Dave added the turnout was typical of the mountain climbing community.

He added: “It’s just like us to support something so close to our hearts - everyone is so close, because the people you climb with, your life is in their hands, and it forms a very strong bond which can reach around the world.”

He also wants to thank local business for their help - Alfreton-based manufacturer RAB donated 100 of its sample and returned jackets and Hathersage outdoors shop, Outside appealed to customers to bring equipment into the store.

Outside manager Rob Turnball said: “All the staff managed to donate but our main contribution was being the collection point - and it was just incredibly. Within four days of putting something on social media, hundreds of climbers and outdoor enthusiasts were dropping off their boots, clothes, tens, cooking stoves - huge heavy duty rucksacks full of stuff.”

“We are still getting people contacting us even now and we’re having to say we haven’t got the means to get stuff out but we are taking phone numbers down if there is another Nepal in Need collection.”