MORE than 60 trainee firefighters undertook a gruelling six mile march from Cambuslang to Glasgow City Centre – in full firefighting kit.
The trainees, who will soon take up their frontline posts at stations across Scotland, have already raised more than £1,400 for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Family Support Trust, Anthony Nolan and The Fire Fighters Charity.
As well as visiting sites of historical importance to the SFRS in Glasgow, they also offered free Home Fire Safety Visits to shoppers and demonstrated potentially life-saving CPR techniques.
Temperatures on Thursday, April 18 reached 17 degrees – which made the going tough in full personal protective equipment (PPE) including a helmet and breathing apparatus.
Watch Manager Anthony Gow is the lead instructors who also took part in the march, and has led the recruits through their 14-week training course.
He said: “It has been tough going today – very warm in the PPE – but it has all been for three very good causes close to our hearts.
“The trainees have been in very good spirits and did brilliantly – a big well done to them and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us and donated so far.”
After leaving the SFRS’ National Training Centre in Cambuslang, the recruits marched along the Clyde to Glasgow Green, before moving on to Central Station, Buchannan Street and Sauchiehall Street in the City Centre.
SFRS recruits traditionally complete a charity challenge as they reach the end of their training course, and in the past have completed marathon walks around the pitch at Hampden Stadium, climbed Munros and crossed the Forth Road Bridge – all in full firefighting kit.
Paul Stewart is the Deputy Assistant Chief Officer responsible for Training and Employee Development.
He said: “A big well done to the trainees who completed the march today, and thank you to the members of the public for their support and donations.
“These 60 future firefighters represent the best of the best, and will soon be joining their stations in communities across Scotland.”
He added: “We are dedicated to protecting Scotland’s communities, and events such as these not only allow us to support causes close to the Service, but also meet people from all walks of life and pass on life-saving advice and information.
“We would encourage everyone to reach out to their families and friends, particularly those who are vulnerable, and sign up for our free Home Fire Safety Visits – which all of our trainees are trained to undertake.
“Additionally, anyone can visit one of our 365 fire stations across Scotland and our firefighters can demonstrate life-saving CPR skills.”
For more on how to obtain a free home fire safety visit, visit /your-safety/hfsv-form.aspx
To donate to the charity effort, click here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?pageId=1034116
