Get to Know Us
At SARDA Isle of Man, our success is built on the dedication of many, including partners, friends, and countless others who generously give their time and support. While we can’t list every helping hand, this page proudly introduces our core team – the Dog’s Bodies, Navigators, and Dog Teams – whose commitment ensures we’re always ready to assist in search and rescue operations.
Dog's Bodies
The unsung heros of SARDA
Our Dog’s Bodies are the vital backbone of our training. These dedicated volunteers selflessly hide in various weather and terrain, allowing our dogs to refine their search skills. Without their commitment, SARDA couldn't operate at the high standard we do today. We extend our heartfelt thanks to these amazing individuals for ensuring our teams are always ready for real-life search and rescue situations.
Graham Steele
Joined -
Graham has been a valued member of the team for many years, he is working on his bio and we will be updating this shortly.
John Callow
Joined -
John has been a valued member of the team for many years, he is working on his bio and we will be updating this shortly.
Helen Rossington
Joined - 2021
Helen brings her passion for the great outdoors and wildlife to our team. By day, she's a dedicated speech and language therapist.
New to the island, Helen saw volunteering with SARDA as a fantastic way to explore the Isle's stunning landscapes and wildlife!
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, boat building, and discovering the beauty of nature.
Laura Power
Joined - 2023
Laura brings with her a warm smile, a camera, and a love for dogs and nature. She joined to connect with new people and immerse herself in the landscape of her new home. Becoming a body has allowed her to support us and enjoy the therapeutic side of being ‘rescued’ by the dogs she helps train. Though she has some lung issues, she appreciates the chance to get outdoors and contribute within her abilities.
Darcey Withington
Joined - 2020
Darcey is a student volunteer who has been with SARDA for over four years. She initially joined as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards but chose to stay on for the love of the work we do—and, of course, her love of dogs!
Outside of SARDA, Darcey enjoys sailing, playing volleyball, and running with her own dog.
Navigators
The Guiding Force Behind Every Search
Our Navigators play a crucial role in every search, working closely alongside our dogs and handlers in the field. Using their local knowledge and navigation skills, they guide teams through challenging terrain, helping to avoid hazardous areas while ensuring no ground is left unchecked. Their presence is invaluable as another set of eyes and ears, assisting handlers in coordinating effective coverage of search areas, even in the dead of night. While they also serve as search managers at the RV, tracking teams and communicating updates with police and emergency services, their primary role is right there with the dogs—helping to make each search as safe and thorough as possible.
Mal Stewart
Joined - 2010
Mal brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for adventure. Mal plays a vital role in guiding our search teams, drawing on his sharp navigation skills and extensive outdoor expertise. Mal’s love for the outdoors shines through. He enjoys rock climbing, mountaineering, and all things boats. His favorite walk is from Port St Mary, through Spanish Head, and out to the Calf of Man—which truly embodies SARDA's spirit of exploration and resilience.
Gary Wright
Joined - 2006
Gary has been a valued member of the team for many years, he is working on his bio and we will be updating this shortly.
Marc Marshall
Joined - 2015
Marc brings a wealth of experience from his role as a retained firefighter in Laxey, enhancing his abilities on complex and challenging searchs. Marc joined with his first search dog, Matt. Together, they completing 53 callouts, making 5 successful finds (2 human and 3 article). Now as a Navigator, Marc continues to play a crucial role, applying his experience to support our dog teams.
Ffinlo Williams
Joined - 2016
Ffinlo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his background as an outdoor instructor and worldwide expedition leader.
Ffinlo enjoys walking, cycling, and water activities like coasteering or gorge walking. His current work role, takes him across the Isle of Man, enhancing his ability to navigate and support SARDA's mission effectively.
Will Heap
Joined - 2019
Will is a dedicated volunteer with a passion for the outdoors, helping people, and, of course, dogs; making SARDA the perfect fit! His commitment to the team is exemplified by his incredible achievement of running the length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise funds for SARDA.
Johnny Sayle
Joined - 2022
Johnny has a long history of service in search and rescue, with 37 years in Civil Defence and Hill Search & Rescue. A keen hill walker and dog lover, he joined SARDA Isle of Man to combine his passion for the outdoors with helping others. With various outdoors qualifications, Johnny brings a wealth of experience to the team. When he's not volunteering, he enjoys spending time in the hills and walking his dogs.
Jim MacGregor
Joined - 2004
Jim brings a wealth of experience to the team. Whether it’s managing search areas, supporting handlers in the field, or drawing on his years of operational knowledge, Jim plays a vital role in ensuring searches are thorough, efficient, and safe.
Outside of SARDA, Jim has been an active member of Civil Defence since 2002 and is a keen fell runner, never shying away from a challenge in the outdoors.
Rebecca Scott
Joined - 2024
Becky moved to the island from the lakes where she was a member of Mountain Rescue. She joined the team to continue that work.
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As a qualified Doctor, as well as her experiences in the mountains she has brought a wealth of knowledge to the team.
James Leonard
Joined - 2024
James has a background of training dogs for other hobbies, he is working with Bracken (a Greysther) to qualify as an air scenting dog. In the mean time his background surveying bird life has allowed him to slip seamlessly into the role of navigator.
Dog Teams
Where Skill Meets Loyalty in Every Search
Our dog teams are a true testament to dedication, skill, and the deep bond between handler and dog. Becoming a handler requires rigorous training, a wealth of knowledge, and a commitment to both the safety of their dog and the communities they serve. Handlers work closely with their dogs, who are not just invaluable life-saving partners, but also beloved pets and companions. The relationship between a handler and their dog is built on trust, understanding, and respect—key elements in life-saving search and rescue operations. The extensive training handlers undergo, from mastering search techniques to understanding their dog’s individual needs, ensures they are always prepared to respond swiftly and effectively when needed most.
Olivia Crowe & Mop
Joined - 2022
After stepping away from sheep farming, Olivia found herself with three energetic Border Collies and no work for them to do. Wanting to give back to the local community, she discovered SARDA—and it felt like the perfect fit. Now, she is part of an amazing team, training and working alongside her dogs to help those in need. When not out on the hills with SARDA, Olivia enjoys fell running and doing agility with her other dog, Fig.
Ben Scott & Steve
Joined - 2022
Ben joined SARDA because he has a high energy, gobby dog who needed to put his energy and bark to good use. It’s also something he'd always wanted to do.
He loves the community that we have, the support and the bond that he has with Steve.
In his spare time he is usually running or walking with Steve (most likely up Peel Hill) or teaching first aid!