Land Rover in drive for charity

10:40am Friday 18th July 2008

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STAFF from the British Red Cross found themselves struggling to negotiate flood waters three-feet deep in a Ford Focus during last summer’s devastating flooding in Yorkshire.

But now both the North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire branches are well-equipped to deal with any such emergency – with two new Land Rovers.

As part of its 60th birthday celebrations, Land Rover has donated 60 vehicles to the British Red Cross Society and its sister national societies around the world.

The unprecedented move will see two Land Rover Defender 110s join the Yorkshire ranks to help with regional operations such as off-road emergencies, public events and local flooding.

Ian Temple, operations director of the North and West Yorkshire branch, based at Northallerton, said he was excited by the new vehicle and was convinced it would improve the service’s ability to help out not only during emergencies but also at local events.

The Land Rovers were put to use almost immediately on delivery, having been sent to the Yorkshire Three Peaks – the region’s three highest hills. He said the four-wheel drive capability had impressed drivers.

Nick Young, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: “Often, those who are most in need are in the places that are hardest to reach. These vehicles will help make sure our staff and volunteers can continue to help the most vulnerable.”

As well as 30 vehicles dispersed around the UK, 30 Land Rovers are being sent overseas to help transport vital supplies and emergency response personnel during natural disasters such as cyclones, floods and earthquakes in countries including Sierra Leone, South Africa and Mongolia.

Some models will be fitted with minor ambulance conversions, stretchers and medical kits.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the British Red Cross being granted a Royal Charter by King Edward VII. The Land Rovers were officially handed over at a garden party at Buckingham Palace in a celebration of the two anniversaries.