ENGLISH LIONS v THE WELSH DRAGONS: NEW RECRUITS TAKE ON EVEREST LADDER CLIMB FOR CHARITY
On Saturday 2 December, our newly appointed wholetime firefighters will be attempting to set a new national fire and rescue service record for climbing the height of Mount Everest (a massive 8,848 metres), using a fire and rescue service ladder, dressed in full personal protective equipment with breathing apparatus – all in the name of fundraising for The Fire Fighters Charity. This attempt will take place on Gallowtree Gate, opposite the Visit Leicester Centre, between 12:00 – 16:00 hours.
The most recent fire and rescue service to take on this challenge was South Wales, who managed to complete it in four hours, 17 minutes and 22 seconds – www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-40985843. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are going one better, with the aim to complete the challenge in under four hours – a new national fire and rescue service record. So, the battle between the English Lions and the Welsh Dragons is on…!
The new recruits taking on this challenge will be tested, both physically and mentally, by this enormous task. They are reaching out to the local communities to kindly ask for support on the day, to motivate them during the challenge. Of course they want to beat the record set by South Wales, but their main motivation is to raise as much money as possible for the Service’s chosen charity, The Fire Fighters Charity, who provide rehabilitation, recuperation, advice and support for current and retired fire service colleagues and their families.
We would greatly appreciate any support from our communities – either by supporting the team on the day or by making a donation towards this great cause. Donations can be made via the dedicated Virgin Money Giving page or via the number of collection buckets available on the day. For the Virgin Money Giving page, please visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/EverestLadderClimb.
Steve Lunn, Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, said: “It’s brilliant to hear that our latest set of recruits are already looking to give back, by taking on this challenge for The Fire Fighters Charity.”
“Whilst they have been away, working hard during the intensive training at the Fire Service College, preparing themselves for their first day of duty, they came up with the fantastic idea of taking on the Everest Ladder Climb.”
“I would just like to say thank you to the new recruits for taking part in this challenge, and to everyone who has already shown support by sponsoring the event and donating online – we really appreciate it!”
“Let’s hope the firefighters do us proud and beat the Welsh Dragons’ record – we always welcome a little bit of friendly rivalry!”
For more information about the challenge, or to make a donation, please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/EverestLadderClimb.
ENDS
Notes to editors: Interviews are available at request via Corporate Communications using the details shown below.
About the Service
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response, prevention and protection services from 20 stations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Its headquarters is based in Birstall, Leicester.
The Service’s prevention, education, enforcement and inspection programmes have resulted in significant reductions in the number of incidents. In the last ten years, fire related incidents have reduced by 46 percent.
During 2015/16, the Service attended 666 road traffic collisions, of which 174 were extrications freeing 208 people trapped inside their vehicles and completed 5086 home fire safety checks, fitting almost 4481 smoke alarms. Staff organised or supported almost 1431 events aimed at promoting fire and road safety and arson prevention, whilst also visiting 332 schools to deliver fire and road safety education to pupils.
Contact:
Corporate Communications
0116 229 2195
corporate.communications@lfrs.org
