A BRAVE team of rescue volunteers have thanked their local community after they raised thousands of pounds to support their work.

Over the last week, Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team was presented with Co-op Community Fund donations from the Tywyn and Dolgellau branches totalling a whopping £8,234.92.

“To date, the Co-op Community Fund has paid out around £20m pounds to worthy causes, and we are grateful to have been fortunate enough to have benefited from this fantastic initiative,” said team fundraising officer Ian Pilcher.

“As a charity, the team relies solely on charitable donations to maintain its operational status.

“Our members are all unpaid volunteers who give up large amount of time to train, and may be called-upon at any time of day or night, 365 days a year, to help those who find themselves lost, injured, unwell or requiring emergency assistance in high risk and inhospitable environments.­

“Needless to say this total, along with the support that we have received from staff and customers at the Tywyn and Dolgellau stores provides us with a significant boost.”

With the team on course for its busiest year since formation, the Community Fund donation will be used to purchase and renew essential equipment, provide additional training for team members, and contribute to the annual running costs of the team.

In a further boost, the Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team has also been selected by the Co-op store in Tywyn as one of the local causes supported the Community Fund for the next 12 months.

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