To mark our 75th anniversary, we’re asking you to take on your own 75 miles challenge to help support members of the fire services community in need. The distance is set, but how you get there is completely up to you.

Each week we are also showcasing one of our 75Milers and this week it’s our first team.

A group of trainee firefighters from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is planning to do 75 miles in 75 minutes, in full fire kit, on April 26, 2018.

The team’s 75 Miles page

The team of 10 trainees will be taking part in the charity event as part of their training programme to become firefighters, and will be using bikes and rowing machines, plus they will be running to cover the distance.

Lead Instructor Tony Hughes said: “Cheshire has an excellent tradition of asking new recruits to both organise and conduct a charity event of their choice, towards the end of the 16 week course. Trainee firefighter Ellen Hill conducted the research into fire and rescue service focused charities and highlighted The Fire Fighters Charity and its #My75Miles initiative.”

As it is such an emotive and relevant topic for the trainees it was mutually agreed that this would be the preferred charity event.

“I want to support other firefighters who may need to utilise the Charity and benefit from the unrivalled service provided.”

Trainee firefighter, Sam Woodcock

Trainee firefighter Sam Woodcock said: “My dad received one week of intensive physiotherapy, courtesy of The Fire Fighters Charity, after he underwent a hip replacement following his retirement following 30 years of service, ending his career in Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service as a rider station officer. His recovery before the visit was painful and protracted; the visit greatly helped my dad. The service was second to none and I want to support other firefighters who may need to utilise the Charity and benefit from the unrivalled service provided.”

Richard D’Arcy who is also a trainee on the course added: “As the fire and rescue service is one large community, organising and participating in a fundraising event for The Fire Fighters Charity felt like the right step to immerse oneself and support the community.”

Trainee Ellen Hill also said: “I researched fire and rescue focused charities and The Fire Fighters Charity jumped out at me straight away. After reading how much the charity does to help different people from the service and our community we felt that this was the best one to help. As I progress through my career as a firefighter on station I hope to plan and organise events like this to raise even more money for The Fire Fighters Charity.”

If you’re a team taking part in the #My75Miles challenge, please let us know:

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