A group of serving and retired firefighters in Northern Ireland are set to tackle the National Four Peaks Challenge in aid of us – and they’ve already raised thousands.
The colleagues, who will also be joined by a friend for the epic feat, will aim to climb all four mountains – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon, Slieve Donard – in just four days.
Rab Hunter, Barry McGalie, Matthew Hull, ‘Spog’ and Glen Lovell will start the challenge on 22 June and aim to complete it by the 25th – in an effort to raise funds for Fire Fighters Charity. They hope the challenge will also raise awareness of the care and support that’s available to colleagues just like them, as well as their families, across the UK.
Barry, who’s a Watch Commander with Northern Ireland FRS and one of our volunteer reps in Belfast, has had support himself at Jubilee House, our centre in Cumbria, following a rotator cuff injury. He says:
“The support I had was brilliant, absolutely brilliant, and I regularly spread the word and put other people in touch now too.
“The charity is there for all of us across the UK, not just firefighters, plus it’s also there for our families. That’s so reassuring to all of us.
“Spog has had support with his MS too, and I know what a difference it’s made to him. This challenge is incredibly close to all of our hearts.”
The group are hoping to raise over £10,000 in the coming weeks and are already over £4,000. They have planned a series of bucket collections as well as an M&S bag pack in the local area.
Dan Hodgson, Regional Fundraiser at Fire Fighters Charity, said:
“It’s been incredible to hear about the team’s preparations for this huge challenge, and on behalf of everyone at Fire Fighters Charity, I send my deepest thanks to all of them for their tireless fundraising and I can’t wait to meet all of you in Wales, midway through!
“Every pound raised makes a massive difference. It ensures we can continue to provide lifelong care and support to serving and retired firefighters, control staff, wider fire service colleagues and their families, right across the UK.”
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