Friday 24 July, 2009
12.30 hrs
Two firefighters based at Southmead Fire Station will join
hundreds of their colleagues from around the world at an annual
charity event set up in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks in
New York.
Wearing full firefighting kit, Watch Manager Sean Spearing, from
Weston-super-Mare and Crew Manager Matt Osbourne, from Portishead,
will stand out from competitors taking part in the Tunnel to Towers
event in Manhattan on 27 September.
The event was set up in memory of firefighter Stephen Siller who
died following the attacks on the Twin Towers on 11 September 2001.
Stephen had been off duty when he learned of the incident and,
prevented from driving to the scene due to road blocks in place, he
raced on foot from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with his kit on his
back.
In taking part in the event, which sees competitors following
the same route Stephen took that day, Sean and Matt will be raising
funds for two charities - The Fire Fighters Charity and GAFSIP
(Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership).
For GAFSIP, Sean and Matt are aiming to raise enough to help set
up a radio communications network for the Gambia Fire and Rescue
Service which currently relies on mobile phones to cover its 300
mile area.
For The Fire Fighter’s Charity the duo will be raising funds to
provide support and treatment for firefighters, many who have been
injured while helping others.
Sean said: “The events of 11 September 2001 touched the lives of
people all around the world. By taking part in this charity event
we will not only be paying tribute to the many firefighters who
lost their lives trying to save others, but also raising
much-needed funds for two charities close to our hearts.”
Find
out more about the challenge
To sponsor Sean and Matt, visit www.justgiving.com/tunnel2towers
Corporate sponsorship is welcomed!
Contact Sean Spearing by writing to:
WM Sean Spearing,
Blue Watch,
Southmead Fire Station,
Southmead Road,
Westbury-on-Trym, BS10 5DR
or call: 0117 926 2061
or email: sean.spearing@avonfire.gov.uk