A CHARITY which sees volunteer doctors respond to serious medical emergencies across Cumbria is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The Beep Fund has been running since 1994, initially only covering a 15-mile radius of Penrith and involving doctors from the Birbeck Medical Group.

But over the years they have expanded, growing the team and the area they cover.

There are now 10 volunteer doctors covering most of Cumbria and part of south west Scotland.

Yet still many people still don’t know about their work, prompting a major relaunch to coincide with their landmark birthday.

The transformation has seen the Beep Fund launch new branding, improve its marketing and increase its presence on social media. It also hopes to attract new volunteers to help spread the word about its life-saving work.

The Beep Doctors are all unpaid and on call 24/7. They attend serious incidents including road crashes, farming accidents, major incidents and other life-threatening emergencies.

As emergency doctors, they can perform some procedures that paramedics cannot.

Dr Theo Weston MBE, who launched the initiative, said that over the years they have saved numerous lives, and now want to do even more.

“We are so proud of how far the charity has come, but we’re moving into a new era with more doctors giving up their time to be on call attending emergencies and covering a wider geographic area in Cumbria,” he said.

“Our new look reflects the changes we have made in the charity, but now it is time to shout about what we do. Not only will this help raise awareness of the Beep Fund Ltd, but also help us raise vital funds to sustain the charity in the future.”

Although the doctors are unpaid, there are ongoing costs for training, clothing, medical equipment and vehicles. It is therefore essential that the charity continues to raise funds to support this.