Shropshire Shufflers raises £4,095.43 for West Mercia Search & Rescue at Severn Bridges 10K

The donation will help the volunteer-run charity maintain its equipment, training and operational capability as it supports emergency services across Shropshire and the wider West Mercia region

A popular Shrewsbury road race has raised more than £4,000 for the volunteers who help keep people safe on the River Severn.

Members of Shropshire Shufflers present a cheque for £4,095.43 to representatives of West Mercia Search & Rescue following fundraising from the 2026 Severn Bridges 10K. The presentation was attended by WMSAR volunteers and members of Shropshire Shufflers. | Shropshire Shufflers

placeholder image — Members of Shropshire Shufflers present a cheque for £4,095.43 to representatives of West Mercia Search & Rescue following fundraising from the 2026 Severn Bridges 10K. The presentation was attended by WMSAR volunteers and members of Shropshire Shufflers. | Shropshire Shufflers

Shropshire Shufflers Running Club presented West Mercia Search & Rescue (WMSAR) with a cheque for £4,095.43 following this year's Severn Bridges 10K.

The presentation took place at The Quarry, where club members met WMSAR volunteers and saw one of the charity's service vehicles.

The Severn Bridges 10K attracts hundreds of runners each year to a town-centre route crossing five bridges over the River Severn. WMSAR was chosen as the event's charity partner for 2026.

Paul Smith of Shropshire Shufflers presents a cheque for £4,095.43 to Dave Letson and representatives of West Mercia Search & Rescue following fundraising from the 2026 Severn Bridges 10K. | Shropshire Shufflers

The donation will help the volunteer-run charity maintain its equipment, training and operational capability as it supports emergency services across Shropshire and the wider West Mercia region.

Dave Letson, speaking on behalf of WMSAR, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Shropshire Shufflers and everyone who took part in or supported the Severn Bridges 10K.

“As a completely volunteer operated charity, donations like this make a genuine difference and help us maintain our equipment, training and operational capability.”

Paul Smith of Shropshire Shufflers showing fellow Shufflers the cheque for £4,095.43 presented to West Mercia Search & Rescue following fundraising from the 2026 Severn Bridges 10K. | Shropshire Shufflers

He said the charity was also committed to preventing incidents on the water, with its “Home and Dry” water safety programme having reached more than 50,000 people.

WMSAR also plans to carry out river patrols over the Christmas period.

Paul Smith, Severn Bridges 10K organiser for Shropshire Shufflers, said the race was about bringing people together and supporting organisations making a difference locally.

He added: “West Mercia Search & Rescue is a truly deserving recipient. Their volunteers give up countless hours to help others, often in challenging circumstances, and we are proud to present them with a donation of £4,095.43.”