A man in a red shirt sits on a bicycle by a riverside path, with historic buildings and a stone bridge visible across the water under a partly cloudy sky.

CFO completes North Coast 500 cycle challenge

Nottinghamshire's Chief Fire Officer, Craig Parkin, cycled 528 miles across the coastline of northern Scotland over just seven days, raising £1,500 in aid of us.

There’s leading by example – and then there’s cycling 528 miles around the coastline of northern Scotland.

And Nottinghamshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Craig Parkin, has done exactly that, completing the legendary North Coast 500 in just seven days.

Thanks to his incredible efforts, he’s raised £1,500 for us through the fundraiser, which will go directly towards our life-changing work – providing dedicated care and support to fire service personnel and their families, during and after service.

A man in a red shirt and cycling gear stands beside a loaded touring bike on a rocky path, with rolling hills and a cloudy sky in the background.

The challenge ended up being incredibly close to Craig’s heart, as he explains: “I’ve always wanted to take on the North Coast 500, and with a week of annual leave, it felt like the perfect opportunity to make it my Chief’s Challenge this year.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the week, and it was rewarding to push myself both physically and mentally – there was blood and sweat, though thankfully no tears! The toughest part was the wind. The highlight was crossing the finish line and seeing my colleague there to cheer me on and speaking to my wife straight after, and I was just so proud.

Two people stand in front of a fire engine outside Inverness Community Fire Station, holding an orange banner for The Fire Fighters Charity. The fire engine is parked next to the station’s sign and red garage door.

“While I was away, I received the heartbreaking news about Rob Taylor – Chief of a neighbouring service, but also a friend and respected public servant. That news put this challenge into perspective. Fire Fighters Charity supports thousands every year, and in moments like this its work is more vital than ever. That’s why raising both funds and awareness for how it helps our fire family is so important to me.

“I want to thank every single person who has donated – your support means someone, somewhere, will get the help they need, whether physically or mentally.”

A man in a red shirt and cycling gear stands by three large informational signs at the Rogie Falls forest entrance, surrounded by trees and greenery.

Charlotte Smith, Regional Fundraiser at Fire Fighters Charity, says: “I want to say a massive congratulations and thank you to Craig, on behalf of everyone at Fire Fighters Charity, for taking on such a tough challenge in aid of us.

“The awareness he’s raised along the way of our health and wellbeing support, alongside the funds raised, will make such a difference and ensure we can help more individuals and families in our fire services community, during and after service.”

You can support Craig’s fundraiser here:

Donate to Craig