Firefighters take on 600-mile cycle challenge for charity
A team of firefighters and fire support staff is embarking on a gruelling physical cycling challenge spanning 600 miles to support the mental wellbeing of colleagues.
The group, made up of both current and retired Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews and staff, are from the Scottish Borders, Glenrothes, Dalkeith, Edinburgh, Alloa, and many other fire stations.
They will join the adventure across the East of Scotland and bring an important mission to raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity and Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide.
The journey will feature 15 cyclists, who will set off from Tyndrum Community Fire Station in Stirlingshire on Monday, 20 May. They will be pedalling past 65 community fire stations, covering an impressive average of 100 miles per day.
Station Commander Garry Douglas, speaking on behalf of the team, says everyone’s excited to get started.
Each pedal stroke will be that little bit easier, knowing that we're contributing to something greater.
“It's not just about the miles we will cover, but hopefully the impact that we can make by raising funds for two charities that have been steadfast pillars of support for our Service during trying times.”
Lyndsay Campbell, Community Fundraiser at The Fire Fighters Charity, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved in organising this fantastic challenge.
“The funds raised will go directly towards supporting our health and wellbeing services and will undoubtedly make a life-changing difference to many individuals in our fire services community.
“I wish the team all the best for challenge. Thank you to the crew, sponsors and local community for all of their support.”
The team has set up a GoFundMe page and people can keep up with the team’s journey on X and Facebook.
If you, or someone you know, served in the fire service, and require urgent help, please contact The Fire Fighters Charity support line on 0300 373 0896.