One of the founders of a team of first responders has offered a heartfelt message in a plea to recruit more responders.

One of the founding members, Peter Gilmour has worked as part of Silloth first responders since their inception more than 20-years ago has now decided to step down as team leader.

He said: "I have had the honour and have been proud to be a small part of such a great team that is “Silloth First Responders”

"It was back in November 2000 when a small group of us had our first open meeting and we agreed to set the team-up.

"The team started training in January 2001 with the help of Andy Dalton and Steve Cremin (who helped with the team’s training in our early years) and after everyone passed their assessment’s, the team went live at the start of February and their very first call out not long after.

"In the team’s first year on call, they had attended 74 call out’s and with the help of the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and skills gained we had two very good outcomes for two patients.

"I have been the team’s Chairman/team coordinator from the start of the team up to date and was to be on call for the first ten years or so.

"This was alongside some very special people who gave up their time to volunteer and to be on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week or whenever they could help and give cover to the people and visitors to Silloth and the surrounding area.

"I would like to say a “massive thank you” to everyone that has played a part in the team from day one to now."

Sadly, due to his health he had to stop responding on call outs about ten years ago but was proud when his son became a First Responder.

He added: "I cannot believe it’s nearly 21 years since we set the team up and went live.

"I would like to thank Owen Martin for taking over as team Leader.

"He’s done a great job since the start of Covid in covering and responding to call-outs when possible, and he’s made my decision to finish as Team Leader all the easier as I know he will do a great job."

If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please contact the team's Facebook page or if you would like more information, please have a look on the NWAS Responders page.