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Broadcaster, writer and adventurer Ben Fogle has been appointed as the first ambassador for Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW), helping to raise awareness of the work carried out by volunteer rescue teams as demand for their services continues to reach record levels.
MREW responded to 3,968 incidents in 2025, with teams called out on all but three days of the year. The charity says both the number and complexity of incidents are increasing, placing growing pressure on the volunteers who provide mountain rescue across England and Wales.
Fogle, who is known for his work in some of the world’s most remote environments, will use his profile to highlight mountain rescue’s role in protecting people in mountains, countryside, coastal and other remote locations, while also supporting campaigns to improve public understanding of the volunteer-led service.
Mountain Rescue England and Wales represents rescue teams whose members give their time freely to assist people in difficulty. The organisation relies heavily on charitable donations and public support to sustain its operations.
Fogle is the first appointment to MREW’s newly launched Ambassador Programme, which has been created to strengthen awareness of mountain rescue, build support for its volunteer model and help secure the long-term sustainability of the service. Further ambassadors are expected to be announced in the coming months.
“Our teams are responding to more incidents than ever before. Demand is rising, incidents are becoming increasingly complex, and the pressures on volunteers continue to grow.
“Yet many people remain unaware that mountain rescue is delivered almost entirely by volunteers. Ben’s passion for the outdoors, combined with his ability to connect with audiences across the country, makes him a powerful advocate for mountain rescue and our volunteers. As the first ambassador appointed through this new programme, he will play an important role in helping us raise awareness, strengthen support and ensure mountain rescue remains there for those who need it.”
Andy Buchan, CEO of Mountain Rescue England and Wales.
Ben said: “When you spend time in remote and unpredictable environments, you quickly realise how important it is that help exists when things go wrong and how much skill, dedication and commitment it takes to provide it.
“The fact that mountain rescue teams across England and Wales do this entirely as volunteers makes their work even more remarkable. I’m incredibly proud to support MREW and help shine a light on the extraordinary people who give their time to keep others safe.”
The Ambassador Programme will see high-profile supporters represent Mountain Rescue England and Wales publicly, support awareness campaigns, contribute to conversations around outdoor safety and responsibility, and help engage new audiences with the charity’s work.
Dave Otter, MREW trustee and lead for the Ambassador Programme, said: “When developing the programme, we wanted our first appointment to be someone with genuine credibility, a deep connection to the outdoors and the ability to engage people far beyond the mountain rescue community.
“Ben stood out immediately. He combines a lifelong love of adventure with a real appreciation of the challenges and risks that exist in remote environments. Just as importantly, he has a unique ability to communicate those experiences in a way that resonates with millions of people. We’re delighted to welcome him as an ambassador.”
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Mountain Rescue England and Wales will be exhibiting at The Emergency Services Show 2026 taking place on 16-17th September at the NEC, Birmingham. You can find Mountain Rescue England and Wales on Stand CZ22, register for your free ticket here.
