A CROSS Hills company has given a £10,000 boost to the Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO).

Skipton Properties made the donation in response to a fundraising appeal by the organisation, launched following the death of a caver in June.

A massive operation was staged to rescue Bradley man Harry Hesketh when he got into difficulties while caving near Horton-in-Ribblesdale, but he died at the scene.

About £14,000 in donations – including Skipton Properties’ contribution – flooded in following the tragedy, to replace equipment used during the incident.

Heather Eastwood, for the Clapham-based CRO, said the organisation was “incredibly grateful” to the company and others who donated.

“After every incident kit needs to be repacked or replaced so we need spares of everything,” she said.

“The money we received from Skipton Properties allowed us to replenish vital equipment and we’re incredibly grateful to the company and the other people who donated this summer.

“Their generosity will undoubtedly help us save more lives.”

CRO volunteers respond to cave and mountain rescue calls across the Three Peaks and Malham areas of the Yorkshire Dales.

The team – which is funded entirely by charitable donations – is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

So far this year, it has attended more than 70 incidents – over half have involved walkers, but it has also been called out to assist cavers, mountain bikers, fell runners and a paraglider.

Members of the Verity family, which owns and runs Skipton Properties, have visited the CRO base to see how their donation was used.

Caroline Verity, the company’s marketing, design and sales director, said: “We were overwhelmed by the incredible work that the CRO does and the sheer passion and kindness of the volunteers who make it happen.

“To see their work in action and the equipment they’ve been able to buy following our donation was an honour.

“We’re just pleased to have been able to help such a worthy cause.”

The donation is part of ongoing community support by the Riparian Way firm.

Each month it gives away £1,000 to a chosen charity in a town or village where it is building.

For more details and to apply, visit skiptonproperties.com/charity.