Firefighters embarking on mountain challenge for charity

Firefighters are set to conquer over 30 miles of mountains in a bid to raise funds for charity today.

Local crews from Green Watch at Tamworth Belgrave Fire Station are set to test their resolve in the 'Welsh 3000's Challenge'.

They will be scaling 15 mountains, all over 3,000 feet, across a stretch of 50 kilometres to raise money for a cause close to their hearts. The challenge is to finish the route within 24 hours, meaning that the firefighters will need to navigate more than a mile of steep and challenging terrain every hour to be successful.

They are doing it on their rest days to raise funds for The Fire Fighter’s Charity and have been visiting a number of popular spots across town to fundraise for the efforts, including Asda Superstore at Ventura last Saturday (29 April).

Ahead of the challenge today (3 May), firefighter Matt Wall said: “We’re always looking at ways to positively engage with the community and this was something which really resonated with us.”

“Firefighters are often faced with challenging scenarios in their day-to-day work and this will be no different. We’re all looking forward to testing ourselves and being able to give back to such an important cause which resonates with so many members of the fire service community.”

That cause is The Fire Fighters Charity, which helps thousands of firefighters and their families by providing confidential and personalised support across their mental, physical and social wellbeing.

It was originally set up in 1940 to support the families of firefighters who had died during the Blitz in World War Two and has been helping service people ever since – including those still serving and those who have retired.

Firefighter Wall added: “Fundraising for this challenge has also given us another great opportunity to get out in the local community and engage with people on a personal level. Being a firefighter isn’t just about operational duties, it’s about being that friendly face and being able to make a difference in the community.

“It’s been really positive to speak with a number of businesses in the area as part of these efforts and to continue our work to educate them on how to stay safe.

“Hopefully, with the kindness and support of the community in Tamworth, we can help to make a difference to all those who will receive support as a result of our donation and efforts.”

To read more, visit the fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tamgreenwatch

To read more about the Firefighter’s Charity, visit: The Fire Fighters Charity - Changing The Lives Of Our Fire Fighting Heroes!