Chiefs Take on a Challenge for Charity
Warwickshire County Council’s County Fire Officer, Paul Fuller took part in a 26-mile charity cycle challenge on Monday 11 May, as part of a national fund-raising event for The Fire Fighters Charity.
The cycle challenge is in recognition of the work of fire fighters across the UK. Representatives from fire brigades around the country will be taking part in the Chief’s Challenge, which will be starting at the fire fighter’s tribute at the Fire exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham, and ending at Bancroft Gardens, Stratford Upon Avon.
Now in its second year, the Chief’s Challenge commemorates the brave men and women of the fire service and in particular those who have sacrificed their lives to save others. The event is well supported by chief fire officers from across the UK, and they will be joined by participants from the Charity’s corporate sponsors and the Fire Industry Association.
With minimum sponsorship of £550 per person, The Fire Fighters Charity hopes to raise over £8000 from the event, enabling them to continue to provide essential therapy and recuperation services to injured fire fighters, and their dependents. Every year, thousands of fire fighters are injured whilst protecting the public. The Fire Fighters Charity is here for fire fighters during their times of need, and assists over 13,000 individuals every year, by providing pioneering treatment and support services. It costs over £9 million every year to keep the Charity running, and with no government funding, the Charity are completely reliant upon donations from the general public and fire community.
County Fire Officer, Paul Fuller said:
“Completing the cycle challenge at Bancroft Gardens is a fitting tribute to the four firefIghters who lost their lives at Atherstone-on-Stour and to the firefighters who continue to protect communities they serve. We are hoping to raise around £8,000 for The Firefighters Charity who support firefighters and their families in their time of need.”
Chris Burghes, business development director of The Fire Fighters Charity and participant of the event said; “This is a great opportunity for us show our support and appreciation for our colleagues throughout the fire service, and in doing so we will be raising funds for The Fire Fighters Charity, enabling the Charity to continue to provide their essential services to the fire community”.