A MYSTERY Good Samaritan who kept members of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team guessing for years as to her identity has finally been tracked down and has received the team’s grateful thanks.
Widow Edith Lomax regularly posted cheques for small amounts to the team as a contribution towards their work.
The money was sent to the treasurer three or four times a year – but always anonymously and giving little clue to the sender’s identity. Although the sums involved were not large, members of the team were touched that someone continued to remember them. They were puzzled by who was sending them and always hoped they would find out one day.
So they were delighted when another envelope arrived from 89-year-old Mrs Lomax at the weekend – and this time it included an address.
Team Chairman Tony McNally immediately started trying to track her down and discovered the address at Eden Lodge in Astley Bridge was a sheltered housing scheme run by Anchor.
“We may not be the best mountain rescue team at finding people but we found Edith,” said Tony McNally.
After speaking to the warden, Tony decided to turn the tables on Mrs Lomax and the team sent a rescue vehicle to the lodge for a surprise visit.
Their arrival, complete with bunch of flowers, stunned the pensioner, who was enjoying a coffee morning and had no idea her secret was out.

Team members Mark Dooley & Tony McNally, present Mrs Lomax with flowers and a picture of the Team.

Mrs Lomax was presented with a picture of the team, which has taken pride of place in her flat alongside the flowers.
Mrs Lomax said: “I was very surprised and pleased. It is all very exciting.
“I started sending small amounts of money when I read about the team’s work in the Bolton Evening News. I wanted to donate to a local charity and decided on the team as a good cause to support. They seemed to do a good job.”
She did not intend to keep her address secret, but says she did not send the donations for any recognition.
Mrs Lomax hopes to continue sending donations to the team when she feels she can afford to.
Tony McNally said it was “lovely to meet her. We always like to say thank you no matter what,” he added.

Our Thanks to the Bolton Evening News for the words.

Webmasters Note: We do find the people we are searching for, unfortunately the BEN reporter misheard Tonys quote !!!