Figgy’s Story Comes Full Circle

Back in April 2023, we were involved in the rescue of Figgy the dog after she fell from the top of the 400ft cliff above Thor's Cave. Fearing the worst, a rope system was set up to allow the crag to be searched, but after two hours with no sign of her, hopes began to fade.

The drone team was called in, and just ten minutes into the first flight, a thermal signature was detected approximately 250ft below the cliff top. There was Figgy—almost five hours after falling—trapped in thick vegetation but calmly watching the proceedings from the cliff face.

Rope systems were quickly re-established, and a team member abseiled down to reach her. Figgy was carefully secured into a backpack and lowered to the valley floor for an emotional reunion.

Fast forward to 2025 and Figgy is fit, well, and now the proud mum of three very cute puppies. Today, a surprise reunion was held for the team members who attended the original callout, giving them the chance to meet Figgy again—and her new additions.

As well as being a heartwarming story, Figgy’s rescue marked a turning point for drone use within the team. For those who remained unconvinced, the speed and precision with which the drone located her spoke volumes. Since then, the drone team has had three more successful finds in missing person searches and has been deployed 30 times in the last 12 months alone.

Many thanks to Brailsford Golf Course for hosting the reunion and for selecting Derby Mountain Rescue Team as their chosen charity this season.