Date: 5th September, 2018
Corsham firefighters are busy training for their fourth epic charity fundraiser, a 21 mile sponsored walk at the end of the month.
Since 2013, various firefighters from the town have walked 22 miles along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath, climbed Snowdonia and taken on 26 miles of the Jurassic coastline to raise thousands of pounds for charity – and all while wearing full fire kit.
Having previously supported the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the Fire Fighters Charity, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Julia’s House Hospice, they are now raising money for Meningitis Now.
Crew Manager Andy Webster has been involved in all four challenges – and has also run the New York Marathon in fire kit. He explained: “Our initial fundraiser, back in 2013, was to support a former colleague who had motor neurone disease. However, it also gave us the bug, so we took on Snowdon two years later and the Jurassic Coast Trek in 2016. We’ve had a year off, both due to long-term injuries to several stalwarts and the need to maintain fire cover, but we’re now back at full strength and ready for the next challenge!”
He added: “The Five Valleys Walk, in and around Stroud on Sunday 30 September, is a fundraiser for Meningitis Now, supporting the development and introduction of five lifesaving vaccines against forms of meningitis and meningococcal disease. We’re also supporting the Fire Fighters Charity again, as it provides such essential services to the whole fire and rescue service community.”
As with previous challenges, the team will be wearing fire tunics, leggings and helmets, while also carrying breathing apparatus sets on their backs. The one concession is to wear proper walking shoes rather than fire boots!
Andy is being joined on the walk by Crew Manager Chris Hughes, firefighters Luke Somerville, Simon Chun, David Lucas, Paul Clifford and Odie Healey, and former Corsham firefighter Lee Tregelles.
To support the team in their fundraising, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/CorshamFirefighters2018