A small army of volunteers played a crucial role during the recent heavy snowfall, coming to the aid of people across the High Peak. 

From rescuing stranded motorists to getting medical supplies and personal to where they were needed, they provided a vital response in support of the sterling work of the emergency services. 

The heavy snow and ice saw many of the major routes across the area closed for some time, with some of the higher routes not opening until Sunday. 

Glossop Mountain Rescue Team was contacted by the NHS Community Nursing Team to help transport their staff through the difficult conditions to patients. 

Their colleagues at Buxton MRT were out from the early hours in blizzard conditions dealing with multiple weather-related incidents in the Peak District National Park and surrounding areas. Strong winds ensured the snow drifts were 6-7 feet in places. 

Image: Buxton Mountain Rescue Team

The volunteers with Peak District 4x4 Response were in demand with their vehicles clocking up 1600 miles in just 36 hours. 

They transported carers and nurses from hospices and health services, dialysis patients and supplies as well as people stranded in their vehicles, digging them out and getting them on their way or taking them to place of safety. 

Volunteers also helped cut up tress that had come down blocking certain routes. 

The Edale MRT were called to help the ambulance service evacuate a patient through deep snow and in another incident in Castleton provided assistance alongside a paramedic after ambulance crews were delayed by the road conditions. 

The MRTs and Peak District 4x4 Response rely on the support of the public. Anyone who would like to support the various teams by donating can do so through the team’s websites. 

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