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.

A team of academics, Trustee of The Fire Fighters Charity Dr Rowena Hill, Dr Sally Andrews, Dr Mike Rennoldson and Prof. John Groeger will be walking between the four campuses of Nottingham Trent University on Monday 25th of June, completing their #My75Miles challenge in one day.

The team’s 75 Miles page
Here, Rowena explains how the team came up with the idea for their #My75Miles challenge:

“We decided on the challenge as we all do research relating to the emergency services and are collaborators and supporters of The Fire Fighters Charity. Nottingham Trent University have been researching with the Fire and Rescue Service for 14 years now and as it’s the year the Charity becomes 75 years old and the University becomes 175 years old, it seemed nice to connect the two.

“We’re taking part not only because we’re keen to support the Charity and the emergency services in general, but mostly because as psychologists we are keen to support the development of the psychological programme at Harcombe House. Raising awareness and raising money which will go directly to the Charity to enable psychological support is very important to us as psychologists who work alongside and research with the UK Fire and Rescue Service.

Training in the Peak District

“The fire related research that goes on here at NTU involves many elements including; the wellbeing of fire fighters, the impact of firefighting on the family of personnel, governance and regulation of the Fire and Rescue Services, and the transition in to retirement from firefighting.

“I love being a Trustee of the Charity, I love being part of the fire community and I love what the Charity stands for. I enjoy the challenges the Charity brings in my role as a Trustee (not just the #My75Miles challenge) and I like the values and ethos of the Charity – it takes a holistic approach and that is something I believe in.”

Up Kinder Scout with Dr Sally’s dog, Bobby

Dr. Sally Andrews added: “Firefighters are inherently strong; both physically and mentally. The public see them pulling people out of vehicles and heading into burning buildings, but don’t see how much of a toll such situations can take. It’s so important that we recognise this and do everything we can to ensure that firefighters who have experienced psychological challenges or physical ill health through helping others have access to the support and resources needed to enable their recovery.”

Dr Mike Rennoldson concluded: “I’m supporting the Charity because I think it does crucial work in supporting members of the fire service and their families and it approaches this work with a refreshing ‘can do’ attitude, using research and new ideas to improve their services and meet the changing needs of firefighters and their families today.”

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

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