Over £50,000 raised for charity in 12 months

We have smashed our target of raising £50,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity over the past 12 months.

As part of our 50^th anniversary celebrations that started in April 2024, we pledged to raise £50,000 before 1 April 2025.

Through a series of activities including car washes, open days, a cabaret, bake sales and fitness challenges, we have raised a whopping total of £54,280.

Our fundraising efforts kicked off last April with car washes at Lichfield and Codsall fire stations, an open day at Rugeley fire station and our Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Glynn Luznyj, took on the Manchester Marathon. Together, around £8,000 was raised within the first month.

Another 40 fundraising events took place in the next 11 months. One of the final efforts was a gruelling Everest-style challenge on 20 March 2025. This event saw our Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, and a team of firefighters climb Mow Cop numerous times throughout the day. In total, the team climbed higher than Mount Everest in miles.

Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, said: “It’s been amazing to see the whole service come together for an incredible year of fundraising and I’m very proud of what we have achieved together. Teamwork is a fundamental part of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and we have demonstrated what can be done when we come together.

“I have seen first-hand the level of support that the Fire Fighters Charity gives to so many former colleagues and their families, both in Staffordshire and across the country. I know that this money is going to a worthy cause”.

Community Engagement Officer, Adam Brunt, took part in the Mow Cop challenge. He said: “This was a really tough challenge but everybody involved really embraced it on the day. Massive credit to firefighter Andy Topham for coming up with the idea and driving it forward to raise so much money”.

Lisa Courtney, Regional Fundraiser for the Fire Fighters Charity, says: “A massive thank you and congratulations to Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service for their efforts in celebrating their 50^th anniversary, we’re so grateful for your support.

 “Your determination and teamwork not only pushed you to the finish line, but also helped smash your fundraising target! Every pound raised - from the challenge itself, and from each of you supporting us through our lottery or regular donations - will go towards supporting fire service personnel and their families, now and in the future.

“Thank you to each and every one of you! Feeling extremely proud to have worked alongside you all.”

To find out more about the Fire Fighters Charity, visit Fire Fighters Charity - Keeping our fire family happy and healthy.