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133 women from 28 fire and rescue services to climb Snowdon

Representatives from 28 different fire and rescue services across the UK are coming together to take on an epic fundraising challenge - many of them with their own personal reasons.

There’s nothing quite like teamwork when it comes to pulling off a difficult physical challenge – so 133 women teaming up to climb Snowdon in aid of us is worth a major shout out.

The huge group is comprised of representatives from 28 different fire and rescue services across the UK, with support from Women In The Fire Service, and each of them will be raising funds for us for their own personal reasons.

While some have received our support themselves, others have colleagues, friends and family who have done in the past. Meanwhile, many will be taking part to raise awareness of the incredible work women do in our fire services community every day.

One of those leading the challenge – set to take place on 26 April – is Daisy Byron, who received our support at Marine Court, our centre in Littlehampton, in 2015 after complications that arose from having her two daughters led to her being unable to continue operational duties.

She received both physical and mental health support at the time and previously told us: “You go there thinking the world is against you, then you get there and meet other people all with their own issues and they make you think differently. The whole experience just helped me so much.”

Joining her will be Diane, from Warwickshire FRS’ Control team, who’s taking part in memory of their former Chief Fire Officer Kieran Amos – and as a thank you for the mental wellbeing support she’s received from us.

She said: “Most people will know me from Fire Control. I worked for West Sussex Fire & Rescue before transferring to Warwickshire, and I had the pleasure of working alongside Kieran Amos for many years. His tragic passing two years ago gave me a sudden realisation that I needed to do more things with my life: at 50, I needed to push myself more, and get out of my comfort zone.

“I am climbing Snowdon in memory of Kieran Amos, and in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity, who have helped me twice over the last few years, most recently to support my mental health and wellbeing. It’s not only frontline firefighters that can be affected in the profession we are in. Control Room teams play a vital role dealing with traumatic and distressing situations on a daily basis.”

She added: I know times are tough at the moment, for all of us, but if you can spare any amount for sponsorship, it will be hugely appreciated.”

Charlotte Smith, Community Fundraiser at The Fire Fighters Charity, says: “This is an incredible example of fire and rescue service representatives from right across the UK coming together for a common cause, and we’re so grateful to all the women taking part in this climb for choosing us to support.

“Funds raised from events like this go such a long way in helping us continue to support thousands of fire service personnel and their families every year with their physical and mental wellbeing. On behalf of everyone at The Fire Fighters Charity, a huge thank you to everyone involved – and best of luck for next week!”

The services involved include Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cleveland, Derbyshire, Devon & Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire, East Sussex, Essex, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Hereford & Worcester, Hertfordshire, Humberside, Lancashire, London, Lincolnshire, North Wales, Oxfordshire, Scotland, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Tyne & Wear, Warwickshire, Beds Police and NFCC.

You can support all those taking part here:

Support the team’s fundraiser

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