Story

Starting on Monday January 13th 2025 one of our very own team members will be joining fellow Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) colleagues AGAIN! This time to attempt the Montane Spine Mountain Rescue Team Challenge North. This is a 160-mile race along the Pennine Way between Hardraw, near Hawes in North Yorkshire to Kirk Yetholm over the Scottish Borders with a time limit of 108 hours in a category specifically for members of Mountain Rescue teams. To give some idea as to what competitors can expect throughout the route the official website provides this description; "This challenging and technical section of the Pennine Way includes Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviots. is a physically and psychologically demanding route that demands concentration, good physical fitness, resolve and respect." “The rugged and very technical nature of this race is mentally taxing, as you have to constantly be aware of foot placement in icy conditions, weather systems, navigation, available daylight and self-management. “In all of the previous editions of the race competitors have faced at least one of (if not multiples of) extreme weather, storm force winds, snow, extreme ice, bogs, fog, hail, mud and almost anything else you can think of!” They will be setting off from Hardraw at 8 a.m. on Monday January 13th 2025 and you can track Paul’s and all the competitors’ progress via individual trackers they’ll be carrying (https://thespinerace.com). Paul is also raising money for Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team (CVSRT) as part of this challenge, and if you would like to support Paul and the team you can do so by visiting the Givey fundraising page www.givey.com/paultaylorspinemrtchallengenorth2025 Good luck to everyone taking part in the event this year.