Exmouth on-call firefighters to hike Jurassic Coast in full kit and breathing apparatus in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity

A team of on-call firefighters are preparing to hike 33 miles across the Jurassic Coast in full fire kit and breathing apparatus, in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity and Devon Mind.

The firefighters, all of whom are based at Exmouth Fire Station in Devon, include Hieth George, Nigel Snowshall, Annie Tinsley, Paul Rickard, Dan Tribble Chris James, Chris Gowing and Toby Taylor. They will set off from Lyme Regis on 27 April and hope to complete the walk at Exmouth Fire Station within 12 to 15 hours.

One of the organisers who’s driving the support vehicle, Hieth George, says: “Why are we putting ourselves through this gruelling test? It's simple - to raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity who provide much needed support to firefighters with injuries that you can not only see, but those that you can’t see, such as PTSD. 

“We've seen first-hand the impact that mental health challenges can have on individuals and their loved ones, and we're determined to make a difference.”

The Fire Fighters Charity supports serving and retired fire and rescue service personnel, their dependants and other eligible members of the UK fire services community, throughout their lives, helping them to live happier and healthier.

Hieth adds: “We are also raising funds for Devon Mind, an organization that provides vital mental health support in our community across Devon.

“We need your support to make this endeavour worthwhile. By donating to our cause, you'll be directly contributing to the wellbeing of those who need it most. Every pound counts, and together, we can create a brighter future for individuals facing mental health struggles.”

The Fire Fighters Charity’s Fundraising Manager, Natalie Searle, says: “I send my warmest thanks to all those involved in organising, and those taking part in, this incredible challenge. This will be a true endurance challenge and every pound raised with make a life-changing difference to fire service personnel and their families from across the UK.”

To support the team’s fundraiser, click here.

With The Fire Fighters Charity relying almost entirely on donations to fund its vital work, none of the support offered to fire service personnel and their families would be possible without the generosity of its supporters. You can support members of the UK’s fire services community by donating now at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/donate.