IT has to be quite a cause to bring together Gordon Brown and Cherie Blair but recognising the work of a West Devon-based charity in saving lives in the aftermath of an earthquake in Pakistan proved just such last week. Members of international search and rescue team RAPID-UK were invited to the Houses of Parliament last Thursday to a reception to thank them for their work in the emergency response to the massive earthquake which hit Pakistan in October 2005. The charity picked up an engraved glass crystal from the Pakistan government, which was presented by Chancellor Gordon Brown. Each member of the team was also presented with an individual certificate in recognition of their endeavours, with Cherie Blair bestowing the commendations. Founder of RAPID-UK, Graham Payne said the team enjoyed an 'absolutely brilliant' day in the capital. As part of a packed schedule, he also met the charity's president the Duke of Gloucester and received an invitation to a further reception in honour of the group's work to be held in the House of Lords in January. The group also visited the ITV News studios where they met presenter Mark Austen, who has recently agreed to become a patron of the charity. The group were given a chance to see behind the scenes with a tour of the studio.
