Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire: A Lifeline in Times of Need

“It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s a long winter’s night and we’re recovering the body of a man from the river who went missing a few days ago.” explains Alex Bradbury, a local volunteer for Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire.

As volunteers for Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire, they have already spent hours on foot, in boats, with dogs and drones, searching in waterways, farms and woodland. They have taken days off work and spent evenings and weekends combing the countryside, in support of Thames Valley Police. They often get to meet the missing person’s family and friends during a search. Understandably, families are desperate for news, and we all feel a great desire to bring their loved one’s home.

“Finding someone is something you never forget”, added Alex.

Every 90 seconds somebody is reported missing to Police Forces across the UK. Each missing person is somebody’s parent, child, sibling, partner or friend. Some of these people – due to their health, state of mind or age are at risk.

The Oxfordshire team was formed in Henley-on-Thames and since 2019, the team has carried out an impressive 18 searches in and around Henley, and many hundreds more across Oxfordshire and beyond, demonstrating their commitment to community safety. These operations can be intense and require careful coordination, especially when searching in difficult terrain or challenging weather conditions.

There are approximately 80 Lowland Search and Rescue volunteers in Oxfordshire, on call to respond to high-risk people that go missing and to provide specialist support to Thames Valley Police. They are the least well-known part of the UK’s search and rescue infrastructure – alongside the better-known RNLI and Mountain Rescue – but Oxfordshire doesn’t have sea or mountains, and most of their callouts are for the most vulnerable members of society rather than for those who have got lost on a walk or whilst out at sea. They respond to missing people with dementia, mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. That means that they can’t simply publicise most of our callouts in the same way as other charities.

Recently, Henley Town Council recognized the importance of the team’s work by granting £2,500 for new handheld radios. These devices are vital for enhancing communication among team members during operations, ensuring that information flows swiftly and accurately. Improved communication can be a game-changer in emergency situations, potentially making the difference between life and death.

Moreover, the Lions Club of Henley-On-Thames has also stepped up to support Lowland Rescue by donating funds for essential dry suits for the water rescue team. These suits are critical for ensuring the safety of team members as they carry out in-water searches for missing persons or aid during flooding events. With unpredictable weather patterns becoming more frequent, having the right gear is essential for their safety and effectiveness.

Call-outs can include an elderly lady who wandered off from her care home into the woods, a young person with depression who goes missing whilst at university. A man whose business is struggling. Lowland Rescue receive no government funding. Their volunteers’ car boots are full of torches, waterproofs, rescue gear and maps. They pay for our own fuel, personal kit and clothing and give up many hundreds, if not thousands of hours every year to maintain professional training standards.

Alex explains, “Why do we do it, you may be asking? I think most of us would say it’s because we feel like we can make a difference to a family and community in need.”

In a world where emergencies can strike without warning, organizations like Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire serve as a beacon of hope. Their unwavering commitment to the community and the invaluable support from local organizations like the Henley Town Council and the Lions Club highlight the power of collaboration in making a difference.

If you’d like to support Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire, please visit their website to donate at www.lowlandrescueoxfordshire.org.uk

Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire have  also organised a fundraising Carols by Candlelight Concert at the beautiful St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church in Shiplake on Saturday 14 December at 6:30pm. Some tickets are still available, and they welcome all the community to come and join in this enchanting evening of festive music and readings, with a guard of honour by our Search and Rescue Dogs. Buy tickets at www.lowlandrescueoxfordshire.org.uk