Date: 6th May, 2020
Two Westlea firefighters will be flipping a tractor tyre for a distance of 10k next week, all in the name of charity.
Watch Manager Paul Jarmey and Firefighter Alex Davidson estimate that they’ll need to do some 7,000 flips of the 70kg tyre between them to reach their target – the equivalent distance of Westlea to Swindon fire station and then through to Stratton.
The original aim had been to literally travel between the three fire stations but, in view of the current coronavirus lockdown restrictions, the challenge will be contained within the boundaries of Westlea fire station instead.
All monies raised by the event on Thursday 14 May will be shared between Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Services and the Fire Fighters Charity.
Paul said: “We’ve read about the increase in domestic abuse since the lockdown began, and we know that Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Services does some fantastic work supporting our community. Alongside that, our own Fire Fighters Charity is a genuine lifeline to people across the fire and rescue service. With so many other fundraising events not able to take place at the moment, we came up with this challenge as a way of making a difference in a safe way.”
During the lockdown, firefighters have had to find alternative ways of maintaining their physical fitness due to gyms being closed, and it was while using tyre flipping on station as exercise that Paul and Alex developed their fundraising plan.
Paul said: “We originally wanted to follow pavements and paths from Westlea to Swindon fire station, and then go from there to Stratton, but that just wasn’t going to be possible in the current climate. Instead, we’ll still do the distance, just within our training yard. We intend alternating two flips apiece – it’s going to be really hard work and take several hours, but it’s all for two great causes.”
Emma Rawlings, CEO of Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Services, said: “We can’t thank Paul, Alex and DWFRS for coming up with this incredible and unique way of raising much needed funds which will help us continue our vital work. We really look forward to cheering them on as we follow their progress on social media. Every penny means that we can continue to support vulnerable male and female victims of domestic abuse and help them turn their lives around”
The challenge will be live streamed on the day via the Westlea fire station Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DWFRSWestleaFireStation, with Paul and Alex intending to start at 8am.
To support them in their fundraising, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paul-jarmey?utm_id=2&utm_term=mP9AdMbZ7