Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Manager, John Walkden has recently completed a cycling challenge and raised over £750 for the Fire Fighters Charity throughout September.
John took it upon himself to come up with a challenge to raise much-needed funds for the charity. He said: “The Fire Fighter Charity, like many other charities, has lost much of its income due to the pandemic with so many events being cancelled. The Charity plays a vital role for firefighters and I wanted to show Cumbria’s support by organising a fundraising event.”
John’s challenge commenced on 1 September 2020, with the aim to cycle at least 25 miles per day. He successfully completed the challenge on 30 September 2020 and has cycled an amazing 844 miles, some of which was completed recently whilst studying at the Fire Service College in Gloucestershire.
Upon completing the challenge John said: “Although the weather hasn’t been on my side, I’ve really enjoyed the challenge. Personally, the biggest challenge was motivating myself to get out on my bike every single day, and often in the wind and rain. However, the words of encouragement from people making donations really spurred me on.”
John’s challenge is the latest fund-raising event by Cumbria firefighters to support the Fire Fighters Charity. In August a team of 20 staff raised funds by running the gruelling 66-mile Bob Graham Round, traversing 42 peaks and ascending 26,900ft in total around the Lake District in just under 24-hours.
The charity, which has a residential centre at Jubilee House, near Penrith, has launched an urgent appeal. The cancellation of fundraising events due to the Coronavirus pandemic means the Fire Fighters Charity is facing a shortfall in income of £200,000 a month.
The donation page will be open until Saturday 10 October, so if you can please donate and help John beat his target.
Support John’s charity challenge and make a donation – https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?pageId=1197075#stickyAnchor
