On 15 May, firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler tragically lost their lives, alongside father-of-two Dave Chester, during the devastating incident at Bicester Motion.
In the weeks since, the strength of our fire family – and the kindness of so many in communities across the UK – has shone through.
From individuals and local businesses to community groups and organisations, supporters have come together to raise vital funds in memory of Jennie and Martyn, and in support of all those impacted by this heartbreaking loss.
At the heart of these has been Bicester Rugby Union Football Club. The club, of which Jennie and Martyn were both members, organised a memorial day and fundraising drive which has brought the community together and raised tens of thousands in the process.
We are deeply thankful for the generosity shown, not only in honouring Jennie and Martyn, but also in helping us to support the health and wellbeing of members of our fire services community.
We want to thank each and every one of you who has fundraised or donated in their memory.
Rugby club’s memorial day and fundraising drive
Following the tragic news of Jennie and Martyn’s deaths, Bicester Rugby Union Football Club set up a fundraising page in aid of us, and as a place for people to share memories and tributes.
Since then, it’s received more than 700 separate donations and messages of condolence, an incredible show of solidarity.
The club shared: “Martyn had been involved with Bicester RUFC for over 20 years. He played senior men’s rugby for over ten years, always bringing his infectious smile and energy to every game. A true clubman and rugby man, he was always willing to pull on an opposition shirt if they were short of numbers. He just loved the game. After hanging up his playing boots, he started supporting the Bicester Vixens (ladies’ team) as First Aider.
“Jennie joined Bicester Vixens in November 2021 and from her first session her determination to push herself shone. She was a dedicated and driven number 8, committed to being the best player she could be for the team. Jennie was so much more than her performance. She was a kind, gentle and thoughtful force to be reckoned with, who knew what the women’s game deserved.
“We will carry their memories in our hearts into every game.”
The club went on to organise a memorial event in memory of them, with hundreds of people attending to watch two matches and enjoy family entertainment, a brass band and stalls. Funds were raised on the day in aid of us, as well as a portion being donated to a charity of Dave’s family’s choosing.
You can support the fundraiser here.
Football match raises over £7,000
Ardley United took on Oxford United legends in a charity match in June, raising over £7,000 in memory of Jennie, Martyn and Dave.
Oxfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall, told the BBC at the game: “It has been really difficult but it’s been amazing to see how people have come together to support everyone.
“It just shows the community coming together, it shows what they meant to everyone and what a strong community we are.
“Days like today are really special.”
Firefighters’ 700-mile challenge
Covering more than 700 miles on foot and bike, firefighters from Scotland, Somerset and Norfolk arrived together at Bicester Fire Station on 6 August, the home station of Jennie and Martyn.
Gavin Callander and Grant Bailey, based in Glasgow, cycled 400 miles over two days, starting at Scottish Fire and Rescue HQ on 5 August. Meanwhile, Scott Butler, from Somerset, ran 150 miles in just three days from Bridgwater Fire Station, and Nick Winter, based in Great Yarmouth, completed a one-day, 170-mile cycle ride from Norfolk.
Collectively, they raised over £6,600 and you can support the fundraiser here.
And you can read all about the challenge here.
Four miles every four hours for 48 hours
Firefighters from Bexhill Community Fire Station in East Sussex ran four miles every four hours for a continuous 48 hours, to pay tribute to Jennie and Martyn.
Firefighters Alex Thompson, Kevin Smith, Stuart Lawson, Toby Fry, Watch Manager Daryl Streeter, and Crew Manager Tristan Fawkes completed the epic challenge, raising over £3,900 in aid of us.
You can still support the fundraiser here.
And so many more…
Several runners will be taking on the 2026 London Marathon in memory of Jennie and Martyn, including family members and close friends, all to raise vital funds for us.
We will be sharing their fundraising pages and stories in the coming months, so keep an eye on our website and social channels.
Meanwhile…
- Members of Red Watch at Whitley Wood, Reading, took on the National Three Peaks Challenge in full fire kit and BA in memory of Jennie and Martyn, raising over £3,500.
- Wheeler Dealer Live took place on 1 June at Bicester Motion, with a charity auction in aid of us and a cause close to Dave Chester’s family’s hearts.
- Slough Fire Station raised over £3,200 with a memorial car wash in memory of Martyn
- 3Bs Radio broadcast a 25-hour marathon with presenter AJ in situ for the whole timeframe, raising over £3,000 split between us and Brain Tumour Research.
- UK Firefighters team took on Oxford Select in an ice hockey match on 26 July, with donations reaching thousands of pounds in aid of us.
- And there’s a 24-hour rackathon planned by the Celtic Shamrock Club in Bicester later this month – aiming to raise £10K.
These are just a few of so many fundraisers in memory of Jennie, Martyn and Dave. If you’ve organised a fundraiser in memory of them, please make sure to tag us on social media or email us at [email protected]. Thank you.