AS a cold snap grips Cumbria bringing parts of the region to a standstill, emergency volunteers have been braving icy roads to keep communities moving.
Cumbria’s branch of 4×4 Response, a voluntary organisation, has been actively assisting this week in transporting district nurses to rural communities during adverse weather conditions.
The nationwide group sees its members use their own 4×4 vehicles to transport critical staff, deliver supplies, and support search and rescue efforts.
Nick, who has been volunteering with the Cumbria branch for over 10 years, said: “We’ve been out in Storm Desmond, the Beast from the East, floods, snow, delivering food parcels, even bringing water when the supply was cut off – there’s not much we haven’t done.”
The Cumbria branch currently has around 30 to 40 vehicles within its network that operate 24/7 and are entirely dependent on donations.
A busy week for Cumbria 4X4 Response (Image: Cumbria 4X4Response) “Most of our work is ensuring that nurses, doctors, and emergency workers can get to their jobs. We’re just the taxis, they’re the ones saving lives,” Nick said.
“We just see it as helping people, putting skills, equipment and knowledge to good use.
“It’s easy for us, we’re Cumbrians, Cumbrians help each other. It’s natural,” Nick said.
Volunteers range in age from 19 to their seventies. With increasing demand for their services, the group is always looking for more volunteers, and training is provided.
“The thank you you get, you don’t just hear it – you feel it,” Nick said.
“We’re a good bunch and we have a laugh, we have to. We’re there at the best of times and also at the worst of times,” he said.
Looking ahead, the team is gearing up to launch a new community support trailer.
“If electrics off and the waters off, we’ll turn up with the trailer where people can get a hot drink, charge phones all things like that.
“It will be used in all the worse conditions known to man,” Nick said.
To sustain their efforts, the charity will be holding a fundraiser next weekend in Ulverston outside Booths.
Nick also shared advice for driving in icy conditions over the coming weeks: “The number one thing is to take your foot off the pedals. Feet off the pedals, everything in neutral, get the steering wheel straight, and once it goes in the direction you want, gently apply the throttle – everything gently.
“If you’re not confident, don’t go out. It’s not worth it. And when it comes to floods, if you wouldn’t walk through it, don’t drive through it.”
To help sustain the life-saving service, you can donate here.