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26th June 2014 STUDENTS SUPPORT RESCUE TEAM IN MEMORY OF LUKE PEARCE
Students and staff of St. Cuthberts Society, University of Durham have presented Teesdale & Weardale Search & Rescue Team with a cheque for over £800 in memory of their fellow student Luke Pearce who tragically died in the River Wear last month. The Search & Rescue Team worked alongside Durham Police and Durham Fire & Rescue in the week long search for Luke.
Serge Chapman, President of St Cuthberts JCR said " We raised the money in various ways to show our appreciation. These included a football match between our rugby club and Luke's friends organised by James Churchman our rugby captain. Eleanor Harby our welfare officer organised a memorial service and balloon release and Mandy Patterson, Luke's housekeeper organised a raffle. Our whole community is devastated by the loss of Luke but we're all exceptionally grateful for the excellent work that the Mountain Rescue Team, who are all volunteers, and the other emergency services have done in searching and recovering Luke. We're working on a video to help highlight river safety and safe drinking for all students coming to the University to ensure something like this doesn't happen again to Durham.."
Steve Owers, Deputy Team Leader said "Although this was a tragic incident it is gratifying to know that the Luke's fellow students, friends and family appreciated the work that we and the other emergency services did. The students themselves also gave up their time to assist in the search. In addition over the past few days Luke's family and friends have donated in excess of £700 to the Team, for which we are extremely grateful.
Photo - Cheque Presentation (left to right) Steve Owers, Pete Bell (Team Leader), Eleanor Harby, Serge Chapman.
Steve Owers
Press Officer
07876 132030
25/06/14
1600hrs
Notes For Editor Teesdale
& Weardale Search & Mountain Rescue Team are affiliated to the "Mountain
Rescue - England and Wales". We provide a Search and Rescue service throughout
County Durham and beyond primarily for the Police but also for the other emergency
services. All Team members are volunteers and we rely on monies raised by ourselves
as a registered charity to run the Team. Further details regarding our latest
callouts and Team information can be found on our website www.twsmrt.org.uk
