Notts rescue team ‘legends’ delivering life-saving kit

Coordindator Alan Scott of Mansfield Woodhouse calculates that volunteers have generously given hundreds of hours and driven 2,500 miles since lockdown started.

Alan, 66, is married to Jo (pictured), chairman of the organisation which was founded in May 2012, who yesterday spent their 21st wedding anniversary delivering protective gear.

NSART’s trained search technicians work with police to locate and rescue missing and vulnerable people Nottinghamshire, and Alan describes the team as “mountain rescue without the hills”.

Team member Andy Harrison MBE said: “So proud of all the team, but especially Alan Scott who's been working tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate everything with the NHS every day and he still found time to make deliveries too!”

In a Facebook post he said: “Very proud of all the team, from bags at the start to full vans the last few days, you've pulled it out the bag, done everything that's been asked of you (and more), yet again. But it's what we do best so I'm not surprised but bloody proud!

“As that 'job' starts winding down the next one has come in and I'm looking forward to doing some difficult and emotional, but extremely rewarding work on behalf of the NHS from Monday.

“All the while, we've also maintained our key operational capability - providing a specialist asset to Nottinghamshire Police to search for missing people.

“It was once said that volunteers aren't paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless!

“I've no idea who made that quote, but they hit the nail on the head! Legends the lot of you!”

NSART is made up of volunteers who are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. They search for vulnerable missing people such as the elderly, dementia sufferers, despondent, children and anyone deemed to be at risk.

The service is provided completely free of charge and is funded through charitable donations from the public and local businesses.