THEY fight fires, assist at road traffic accidents, save cats from trees… and now a crew of firefighters from Powys have even raised thousands of pounds for charity.
On Saturday, June 29, the crew from Knighton Fire Station walked 22 miles of the Wales Coastal Path, all while wearing fire kit and a piece of fire service equipment.
The crew started at Machynlleth Fire Station and walked to Borth Fire Station before finishing at Aberystwyth Fire Station.
They started at 7am and reached the pier in Aberystwyth nine-and-a-half hours, 22 miles and 50,000 steps later, at 4.30pm.
OTHER NEWS:
- Lloyds announces closure of Powys branch as part of wave of new cuts
- Meet the Powys company that plays a vital role in Glastonbury Festival
- Yellow lines set to be painted in Powys village to tackle shoddy parking
“Thank you to all who helped in any way, to those who cheered us on along the way, to our families who provided refreshments and support and to our colleagues in stations across northern division – your hospitality and support has been so appreciated,” said Knighton Fire Station in a post on its Facebook page.
“We also want to say a huge thank you to Dai Price and family for coordinating such a successful event.
“We have lots of cash in buckets that's yet to be counted up and our Just Giving page is just £5 short of £3k (that figure is now above £4,500).
“One last final push for anyone else to give whatever you can to support the Fire Fighters Charity, a charity that has supported us personally and many, many others across the country.
“Thank you to those who have given already, its so appreciated.”
The crew who took part in the walk included watch manager Martin Neary, crew managers Marty Jones, Elliott Jones and Aled Jones, firefighters Gary Evans and Rees Morris, watch manager John Tanner, station manager Kerry Hughes, group manager Phil Morris, retired crew manager Darren Leach and Jonathan Hughes.Knighton Fire Station crew members.
The crew were supported fabulously by retired watch manager Dai Price and his family, as well as Aled's family Elaine, Beth, Rhian and Snowy.
Food was provided by local businesses, as the team’s supporters on the day kept them fed and watered along the way.
Food donations were provided by Nicki from Mid Counties Co-op in Knighton; Gaynor at Costcutter in Knighton; Tom at AJ Pugh Butchers in Knighton; Julie at the Little Black Sheep café; John and Julia at Tower House Gallery café; Lorna of Lorna’s sandwich shop; Louise at Lou’s Baked Treats and Radnor Hills.
Local dog walking business Paws A While had also put on a sponsored dog walk to increase funds the weekend before the walk.
To ensure the Fire Fighters Charity can support over 5,000 people a year and to meet the £9 million cost of operating its support services, it is dependent on regular donations from fire and rescue service personnel, past and present, as well as the general public.
You can still donate to Knighton Fire Station’s cause by contributing at their Just Giving page; visit it at https://www.justgiving.com/page/knightonfirechallenge.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here