Distinguished record honoured

A MEMBER of the North West Mountain Rescue Team has received a Long and Distinguished Service Award from the NI Mountain and Cave Rescue Co-ordinating Committee.

Uel Hamilton, from Kilfennan, received the award from Sir Anthony Campbell, who was the guest of honour for the ceremony, which took place at a reception in Belfast, marking Uel having completed 30 years’ service in November last year.

“I began through the Scouting movement, when I was a Scout leader with the 8th Strand Scout group. It was through the Scouts that I got involved in outdoor activities like hill walking and rock climbing. On December 17, 1980, I was invited to become a member of the North West Mountain Rescue unit, I remember it was only started than and that’s why it was only a unit,” he said.

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He was on the unit for a year when it changed it’s statues to a fully-fledged team, and Uel went on to become treasurer of the group, a position he held for 12 years. In 1992 he was appointed as team leader, having already received an award for long service the year before form the then chairman on the Co-ordinating Committee. He also received a distinguished service award from the Irish Mountain Rescue Association for 25 years’ service in 2005.

Although initially his work was inextricably linked to the Scouting movement, Uel said he enjoyed the fact that through his volunteering he could “give something back”.

“I always felt that if someone else was in bother the team could go out and help them,” he said.

In addition to serving the community through the local team, Uel has also served on the Committee and has played his part in serving on the Health Board. He said he felt proud that he had been recognised for his service.

He currently holds the position of president of the NWMRT and is still an active member.