Volunteer takes on walking challenge for local rescue charity

A Warminster woman who volunteers for Wiltshire Search and Rescue will set out on a 125km walking challenge next month to raise money for the charity.

Sharon Evans will walk 16km a day between 12th and 19th April, covering 125km in total, to raise money and celebrate the charity’s 25th anniversary.

“The charity supports emergency services in difficult situations,” said Sharon. “All search and rescue technicians, trustees, and non-operative support like me are volunteers, and they juggle careers, family and being on call 24/7.”

Earlier this month, a team from the charity was called to assist Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics in rescuing a boy who had fallen down a 200ft slope at the Westbury White Horse. Twenty-five volunteers attended the scene, and the boy was successfully rescued with no life-threatening injuries.

“My fundraiser is to support the medical team and dog team, as I have been a dogsbody for two years,” said Sharon. “We help the search dog train and qualify, which can take up to 18 months of training, all voluntarily, under a qualified Search and Rescue Technician.”

Sharon will be completing the challenge in memory of her mum, who died two years ago following a two-year battle with cancer.

“It’s been a chance, whilst I am training for the walk, to think about my mum, who had a very difficult, horrific battle with cancer,” said Sharon.

“She loved nature, walking and worked for lots of charities over the years, so it will be in memory of her. I think she would be so proud of the fundraiser and the charity work I do.”

All of the money she raises will go towards the charity, which relies on fundraising, donations, grants and sponsorships to operate, as it receives no regular statutory funding.

“The money raised not only goes to operating costs but also towards training, which is weekly, maintaining vehicles, medical equipment and equipment for the foot teams, dog team, boat team and bike team. It’s a vast amount needed to stay operational,” said Sharon.

To donate to Sharon’s fundraiser, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/sharon-evans-1

To find out more about the charity, visit https://www.wilsar.org.uk/

Pictured: Sharon with her mum Glenis