Press Release - Bristol firefighter’s North Pole challenge

A Bristol firefighter is currently preparing for a tough racing challenge, which will see him encounter Polar bears and freezing temperatures.

But 38-year-old Danny Munden, who’s a member of White Watch at Speedwell Fire Station, needs to raise vital cash to ensure he can take part in the Polar Race 2007, which starts in April.

Teams of two, three or four will race on foot or ski from the former North West Territories of Canada, 400 miles to the finish line at the North Magnetic Pole. Danny will be joined by Charlie Cooper and Chris Wilkinson for the challenge, with all three competing under the name of Brass Monkeys.

The race is expected to take 30 days to complete, with competitors fending for themselves in temperatures as low as -40 degrees centigrade. They will have to haul their food and equipment on a sledge behind them.

Danny, who has a five-year-old daughter, has selected two charities to raise money for: The Fire Service National Benevolent Fund and Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal, in aid of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

He’s currently working hard to ensure he can raise the £19,000 sponsorship needed for the challenge, as well as asking businesses in the city to help him fundraise.
 
He said: "I am really looking forward to taking part in this challenge although I have a lot of hard training ahead of me. I am hoping to raise money for two really good causes and I would love to hear from anyone who can help me out with sponsorship."

Current sponsors include: Bristol Bus and Coach Sales and Gulliver’s Truck and Van Hire, but there are still opportunities for other companies in the city to help support Danny’s challenge.

Anyone wanting to back Danny is urged to contact him at dannymunden@blueyonder.co.uk or call 07808 723600.

To sponsor Danny and his team go to www.justgiving.com/dannyfirebenfund or www.justgiving.com/dannykidshospital.

For more information about the Polar Race 2007 visit www.polarrace.com