Very kind donations in the memory of the late Mr Keith Smith

On Tuesday 8th January this year, the team was involved in a large scale multi agency search centred upon the River Ribble in the Ribchester area of Lancashire, for a missing 72 years old man Mr Keith Smith of Goosnargh near Preston.

Sadly our involvement on the day (Which had been preceded by our colleagues Bowland Pennine MRT) did not result in the location of Mr Smith (Please see our website report Incident 12 – 2013 dated Tuesday 8th January 2013)

Police search efforts continued for some time afterwards, and in early February the body of Mr Smith was recovered from the River Ribble, in the Salmesbury area downriver of Ribchester.

Today we can report on the receipt of donations to the Bolton MRT in memory of the late Mr Keith Smith, amounting to a very kind and thoughtful £221.75p

In a letter accompanying these thoughtful donations from Mrs Susan Smith, wife of the late Mr Smith, to our Team Leader Garry Rhodes MBE, Mrs Smith states:

“To Bolton Mountain Rescue Team. My family and I would like to thank you and give acknowledgement for the outstanding work that you do. Having recently lost a member of our family, we have come to learn about your dedication and determination. It has touched us all that so much importance has been placed on finding a loved one, in this case, my husband, Keith Smith who went missing on Monday 7th January. Your tireless work, alongside the Lancashire Police, has been overwhelming.”

“We understand that you rely entirely upon charitable contributions and so it was important for us to let people know about the work that you do. We have placed acknowledgements in the Lancashire Evening Post and asked for donations from friends and family.”

“I enclose a copy of the acknowledgement and this letter will be sent along with any further donations we have received for you.”

“Thank you, kindest regards, Susan Smith.”

A copy of the acknowledgement was also received stating (In full):

“Susan and her family would like to give their heartfelt thanks for the support of their friends at what has been a very difficult time. The thoughtfulness, the care, the kind sentiments and the cards and flowers have been a huge comfort. Keith’s memorial service was made beautiful by the attendance of so many friends from near and far. His family could not have asked for more and give their sincerest gratitude. To Reverend Steven Cooper and to William Houghton, Funeral Directors, thank you for putting together and delivering a service that met so well with Keith’s wishes and those of his family. Many thanks also for the generous donations to the volunteer rescue teams.”

“Keith’s family would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Lancashire Police and the volunteer teams. Lancashire Police could not have done more. They have dealt so sensitively with this difficult situation ; keeping Keith’s family informed every step of the way and offering support beyond the call of duty. The unstinting endeavours of the volunteer search and rescue teams, alongside the police, have been overwhelming.”

“Acknowledgement and thanks is given to Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team and to Bolton Mountain Rescue Team. Please send any further donations to them through William Houghton Funeral Directors, Chapel Hill, Longridge. Many thanks.”

The whole Bolton Mountain Rescue Team membership extends its condolences to Mrs Susan Smith on the loss of her husband, and the same condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Mr Keith Smith.

To all who made a thoughtful donation in Keith’s memory to the work of Bolton MRT and our colleagues at Bowland Pennine MRT we extend our heartfelt thanks.