To mark our 75th anniversary, we’re challenging you to take on your own 75 mile 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. This is a weekly series of posts, about your 75Miles, our 75Miler of the week.
Karen Weir, 46, a Watch Manager for Johnstone Fire Station, Scotland, is swimming her 75 miles as a thank you for the services she received from the Charity.
“I have chosen to swim my 75 miles, in both the pool and open water. I swim year round, day and night in open water however at this time of year the distance is limited due to it being not so warm. I have covered 10 miles so far and had a few snowy swims but as the Loch heats up, the distance will grow.
A snowy Loch Lomond
“I have been lucky enough to benefit from the rehabilitation services at Jubilee House on a few occasions following a couple of surgeries. This is my small way of paying something back.
“I couldn’t even begin to put a price on the support and assistance I received during my visits to Jubilee House.”
“I am always wary about raising funds through any open water swimming events because sometimes they may not go ahead as we are at the mercy of the elements. This challenge appealed to me more because I can swim the 75 miles over a period of time that suits me. Rather than take the allocated time until the end of December, I have set myself a personal challenge to have it completed by the end of August. This also gives me a goal to work towards while training for upcoming events.
Even Blaze Bear has been getting in on the action
“The Fire Fighters Charity is an amazing charity. I couldn’t even begin to put a price on the support and assistance I received during my visits to Jubilee House. The staff were friendly, helpful and understanding, all of which helped get me back on track, back to work probably quicker than expected and fit enough to swim another day. There are not enough words to say how grateful I am for being able to benefit from just one of the many services the Charity provides.”
