Date: 6th March, 2017
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service volunteers will be taking on the challenge of walking between the fire stations in the Poole, Christchurch and Bournemouth areas this weekend to raise money for two good causes.
On Saturday (11 March), the walk – a half marathon – will start at Christchurch fire station and end in Poole town centre, visiting other fire stations along the way, with the aim of raising as much as possible for the Fire Fighters Charity and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a cause close to the Service’s heart, as former firefighter Andrew Culliford has been living with the illness for a number of years.
Andrew, a former semi-professional footballer player and a firefighter based at Westbourne Fire Station for 17 years, was diagnosed with MND in 2011 and the hope is to help raise funds for a specialist therapy pool to help with his physiotherapy.
The walk will start at Christchurch fire station at 10am, and the group will visit Springbourne fire station, via the Vitality Stadium, and then proceed to Redhill Park and Westbourne fire stations, ending in Falkland Square in Poole town centre between 4pm and 4.30pm.
The walkers, who will be supported by colleagues from across the Service, will be carrying charity buckets along the route, allowing other pedestrians and shop owners the opportunity to donate.
Organiser and Service volunteer, Dave Edwards, said: “The Fire Fighters Charity does amazing work with not only firefighters, both operational and retired, but also with support staff and volunteers. They help at times of great need so they were an obvious charity to support. As a team of volunteers, we wanted a challenge and we’re hoping this walk will help raise awareness of both the Fire Fighters Charity and MND, as we connect with the community and raise money along the way.”
Westbourne District Commander, Graham Kewley added: “It’s great to know our volunteers are getting involved in raising money and awareness for the Fire Fighters Charity and MND. Andy was a key member of our Service and especially Westbourne fire station, serving the community for 17 years. I’m really proud of all our volunteers and everybody involved in the walk and hope the money raised goes a long way.”
More information about the Fire Fighters Charity can be found at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk while more information about MND can be found at www.mndassociation.org
To support the walkers, you can donate online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/the13mile