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Fire cadets raise thousands with 999 challenges to mark our 80th

From ladder climbs to mountain treks and more, fire cadets right across the UK put themselves to the test to raise vital funds for us in June.

Fire cadets from across the UK teamed up throughout June to mark our 80th anniversary with a series of 999-themed fundraising challenges.

The cadets, who range in age from 13 to 17, took on creative challenges linked to the numbers 9-9-9 or 8-0, and they raised more than £2,300 on the team’s main page alone, with even more coming in from other teams.

Gary Williams, National Fire Cadets Manager, says: “A key part of our Fire Cadets’ development is to think about how they can support their communities around them through attending events, delivering projects or raising funds. The Fire Fighters Charity is an important part of their community as it provides valuable support for firefighters, their families, and for Fire Cadets.

“To celebrate the Charity’s 80th Anniversary, throughout June our cadets and their instructors have put an amazing amount of effort and creativity into fundraising for such a valuable cause. I am extremely grateful for their commitment and the compassion that they have shown, and I am very proud of each and every one of them.”

Kerry James, our Fundraising Manager, says: “On behalf of everyone at The Fire Fighters Charity, I want to thank all Fire Cadets across the UK who took part in this fantastic challenge to mark our 80th anniversary year. This year is all about celebrating eight decades of helping our fire family – and by our side throughout that time have been our loyal supporters.”

You can support each of the individual Fire Cadet units, as well as the national effort, by visiting: www.justgiving.com/team/ukfc999.

Below are just a few of the many highlights and for all those who took part, a huge thank you for all your support.

Snowdon climb:

Melissa Dexter, from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, organised for eight other UK Fire Cadet leaders/instructors from Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Cheshire, Northamptonshire and Mid and West Wales to climb Yr Wyddfa, Snowdon on 3 June.

Their target was £999, in conjunction with the 999 national Fire Cadet challenge, however they exceeded this amount by £444 and raised £1,443.

And during the climb, they proved their skills as rescuers unexpectedly…

She says: “During our climb we came across a group of males – one had came to be injured with a dislocated ankle. Our team rushed to his aid providing him with first aid, ice packs and survival blankets, including fresh water. We then guided the mountain rescue team in via mobile with our coordinates. Neither one of the males had any knowledge on what to do in this instance. We were relieved to have been able to help them.”

Ladder climb in Wales:

999 80m hose carry:

Northamptonshire cadets put their best foot forward with a huge hose carry, you can see some highlights here:

https://twitter.com/wtonfirecadets/status/1657444264408760320

80,000 skips

And Gary himself got stuck in by completing 80,000 skips throughout June:

Here’s a few more challenges, and once again, thank you to all those who took part:

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