Date: 1st May, 2018
Devizes firefighters will be supporting a unique fundraising challenge this weekend, as the mysterious ‘Flame’ visits the town.
Over the past couple of years, Flame – whose identity has been kept secret – has been running, walking and climbing to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity, all while wearing full fire kit.
This Friday (4 May), he will be setting off from the headquarters of Bristol Uniforms in Bristol to run the 75 miles to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s headquarters in Eastleigh, again wearing full kit and also carrying a 30kg breathing apparatus set!
Crew Manager Mike Cleaver, from Devizes fire station, is working with Flame’s support crew to try and give him a proper welcome to the town. He said: “The intention is for us to take a fire engine to the town bridge on Northgate Street on Friday afternoon and then escort Flame through the town centre to the fire station, where he’ll be finishing up for the day. Hopefully we will encourage some additional donations from passers-by to boost his fundraising!”
“On Saturday morning, we will escort Flame out to Hopton Industrial Estate, which is where MSA Safety Ltd is based, a company which makes fire helmets and other equipment. They’re donating £500 to the fundraising, so there will be a quick photo call before he heads off on the second leg of his challenge.”
Flame is due at Eastleigh on Sunday, having run the equivalent of three marathons over three consecutive days.
Mike added: “Flame has shown an extraordinary commitment to supporting the Fire Fighters Charity; all fire personnel have access to the charity’s services, which include rehabilitation after injury, mental health support and even holiday rentals, so we wanted to cheer him on and also show our thanks to MSA Safety and Bristol Uniforms – both are suppliers of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and both have made donations to Flame’s fundraising.”
Flame said: “It’s important to tell you, I am not actually a firefighter, but I am a supporter of the Fire Fighters Charity. I have the upmost respect for the hard work and commitment shown by every single member of our UK Fire & Rescue Service – across all areas of the service, from support staff to firefighters out there saving lives. I really wanted to undertake a number of challenges that would help me to understand even a fraction of what it feels like to put your body to the test wearing the full fire kit.”
To support Flame and make a donation to the Fire Fighters Charity, visit www.justgiving.com/Flame75