WORK on a new £1 million headquarters for Brecon Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) is complete, with the team having now moved into their plush new home.

Brecon MRT said it is delighted that the project is complete following the year-long build. A ‘base-warming’ event was held today (January 12) to thank their major funders and supporters and give them the opportunity to tour the new building.

Following a decade of planning and raising the initial funds for the desperately needed new HQ, the team launched a major campaign in the autumn of 2021 to raise the remaining funds for the £1.1 million project.

This included a public fundraising appeal as well as applying for dozens of grants from a range of organisations. The target was finally reached in autumn 2022 and work on the site, on the outskirts of Brecon, commenced in the spring of 2023.

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“We are delighted that our long-held dream of a new HQ has finally come true,” said Brecon MRT leader Dr Rob Powell.

“We are so thankful to everyone who has helped us on this journey, from the major funders and donors to members of the public who supported our appeal, to our many partners and friends who have encouraged and championed our work.

“Without them, this project would not have been possible.

“For more than 50 years, our volunteers have saved lives throughout 700 square miles of Mid Wales and we have never been busier. 

“Unfortunately, our old base was no longer fit for purpose and we were in desperate need of a new facility.

“Our new HQ will help the team respond more quickly to emergency calls, store life-saving equipment properly and carry out training exercises as a full team. It will benefit the region we serve for generations to come.”

Brecon MRT will also now be able to provide educational services to local community groups due to the large training/meeting room, named the Bernard Sunley Foundation Room (after one of the project’s major funders). Additionally, other local charities will be able to use this facility.

The HQ fundraising campaign was backed by television presenter Kate Humble, who is Brecon MRT’s VIP ambassador.

Kate said: “Brecon Mountain Rescue team have saved hundreds of lives over the years, and this dedicated team of volunteers provide an emergency rescue service 24-hours a day, 365 days-a-year. 

“I am thrilled that their fundraising efforts were such a success and that they now have the HQ that they so desperately needed and deserved.”

To find out more about how you can support Brecon MRT, visit www.breconmrt.co.uk.