Rescue team completes 21-mile swim

A volunteer search and rescue team has swum the equivalent of the English Channel in full heavy gear to raise money for essential new equipment.

Ten members of the Severn Area Rescue Association in Tewkesbury completed a 21-mile charity challenge along the River Avon on Sunday, wearing helmets, flotation devices, and steel-toe boots.

The gruelling 13-hour swim left some struggling with leaking dry suits, highlighting the urgent need to replace ageing kit which costs up to £1,441 per rescuer.

Volunteer Mark Fox warned that faulty equipment could be life-threatening in emergencies, especially during winter rescues when the risk of hypothermia is high.

The team, hopes to raise £10,000 to buy new bespoke suits and safety gear.

You can donate here.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk