Watch Manager Adrian Mantle from White Watch, Bedminster (15),
and Firefighter Pete Marsh, from Red Watch, Bath (12) (now retired
from service), embarked on a huge challenge in December 2007.
While most of us were recovering from the festive excesses,
the duo were heading off in an ambulance driving from Temple
(09) Fire Station all the way to The Gambia.
The vehicle driven by Adrian and Pete was donated to
the Gambia and Avon Fire
Services in Partnership (GAFSIP) charity by Wessex Ambulance
Service and when it arrived was handed over to the Gambia Fire
and Ambulance Service.
As well as doing all the driving, the duo raised
much-needed funds for GAFSIP.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Pete said: “This is a fantastic
opportunity for us. Having both flown to the Gambia, we thought it
would be great to do the trip by road. I am sure it is going to be
very difficult at times, especially when the tiredness sets in, but
we will be seeing some beautiful sites along the way, so it will be
worth it.”
On Saturday 8 December Adrian and Pete held a sponsored car wash
at Bath Fire Station. Even with the heavy rain that stayed all day
they still managed to raise a huge £645. The public also showed
their support by the constant beeping of passing cars keeping the
team's spirits up.
Pete and Adrian kept us updated during their trip, you can
read
the Don't Panic 2007 online diary here