Back in August, 18 children took part in a Junior Strong Arm Challenge, completing an assortment of challenges such as team building exercises, camp building, fire lighting, a mountain climb, kayaking across Derwent Water and a treasure hunt.

Chief Fire Officer Stuart Errington said of the intrepid youngsters: “This is another fantastic fundraising feat by the Strong Arm Challenge team. The junior members should be very proud of their achievements and on behalf of The Fire Fighters Charity it is a great pleasure to accept this generous contribution.”

This is the third Strong Arm Challenge event organised by a joint team from the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

The team was set up in memory of Peter Metcalfe a serving firefighter with TWFRS and brother to Warren Metcalfe a fighter with CDDFRS. Peter died from stomach cancer in June 2012 aged just 35.

Senior Strong Arm Challenges took place in 2013 and 2015 and another is planned in 2017 with a plan to run a second junior event alongside it based on the success of this year’s challenge for young fundraisers.

sp15-0741

Team of The Year 2015

The Strong Arm Challenge team were also deserved winners of the 2015 Team of The Year Award at The Fire Fighters Charity’s Spirit of Fire Awards ceremony in 2015