I’m proud to have made safety whistles for Northumbria National Park Mountain Rescue
A South Tyneside teenager has raised thousands for the Northumbria National Park Mountain Rescue Team.
Luke Hedley BCyA, from Jarrow, has raised £2,000 for the Northumbria National Park Mountain Rescue Team by selling his home made 3D-printed safety whistles.
At the end of 2025, the 14-year-old received the British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) for his work in creating the whistles after he was inspired by his dad, who is a volunteer ranger.
On Wednesday, January 7, Luke visited the mountain rescue team where he received a guided tour of their rescue vehicles and specialist equipment.
He also sat in on the team’s Winter Skills Safety Lecture, where he took part as a training casualty to get an insight into the team’s life-saving work.
Speaking after he handed over the cheque for £2,000, Luke said: “It was humbling to be able to help such an important service, all run by amazing volunteers who are always ready to help others.
“That’s why I wanted to fundraise for them — to make a difference by creating the safety whistles and hoping they may one day help to save a life.”
Luke is looking to continue expanding his safety whistle project throughout 2026 as he looks to raise more funds for the mountain rescue team.
The whistles, which are available in many different colours, can be purchased from:
- LD Mountain Centre, Newcastle.
- The Steamboat, South Shields.
- The Sill National Discovery Centre, Hexham.
- Walltown Visitor Centre, Walltown.
- Northumbria National Park Mountain Rescue Team events throughout 2026.
If you would like to stock the whistles, offer sponsorship to help cover the cost of 3D printing filament or request a bulk order, then contact: [email protected].