Firefighters from across the county have taken up the challenge to run 5,000km (3,107 miles) over the month of July to help to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity. As part of the challenge, ...
Firefighters from across the county have taken up the challenge to run 5,000km (3,107 miles) over the month of July to help to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity.
As part of the challenge, 25 firefighters from across the county will be running a total of 124 miles each, which equates to 4 miles each per day. This will be run in addition to any training undertaken and the day job, as a number of those taking part are on-call firefighters, so they have jobs in a variety of sectors as well as being on-call.
The team, 'Blaze Runners' come from a range of stations including Polesworth, Gaydon, Coleshill, Atherstone, Kenilworth, Leamington and Southam. The team members will be running every day to reach their target of £10,000, and every donation counts to help encourage them to get out and keep running.
The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social well-being throughout their lives. One of those being helped by the charity is the son of a former Warwickshire on-call firefighter, who is a carer for both his parents and little sister - https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/case_study/the-tomes-family
Organiser of the charity event, Crew Commander, Leeanna Essex said:
“Taking on a challenge of this size is huge, but I know that the team will do everything they can to complete the 5,000km. We have lots of support from our family and friends, but it would be great if Warwickshire residents could get behind the challenge. The Fire Fighters Charity does some amazing work, not just for our firefighters, but also their families. So, we want to do everything we can to help raise funds for the charity in what has been a difficult few months for us all.”
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Fire Safety, Cllr Andy Crump added: “Running 5,000km in one month is the equivalent to running Land's End to John o' Groats five times. This is clearly a mammoth task and I wish all those taking part the very best of luck. Helping to raise much needed funds for the Fire Fighters Charity is commendable and I hope you reach your target of raising £10,000.”
To find out more about their fundraising activity visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/BlazeRunners