Thursday 30 April
11.00hrs
A group of firefighters are in training for an unique challenge
which will see them attempting to climb one of the UK’s highest
peaks wearing full firefighting equipment.
The team of four from Avon Fire & Rescue Service have
embarked on a gruelling preparation schedule as they get ready to
tackle Mount Snowdon on Saturday 6 June 2009. With the challenge
due to take place on the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings the
group is hoping to raise a total of £10,000 to be split between
Help for Heroes and The Fire Fighter’s Charity.
Mike Collin, Nick Baldwin, Pat Foley and Rob Atkin will climb
the 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) wearing everything from
their firefighting tunics, boots, gloves, trousers and helmets to
the 15kg breathing apparatus sets and cylinders. They will also be
joined by a support team.
The team members are no strangers to testing themselves as in
2007 they set a record time in the Three Peaks Challenge by
ascending Ben Nevis, Scafell and Mount Snowdon in 15 hours and 22
minutes – a time which included 11 hours of driving.
The latest challenge was the brainchild of Firefighter Mike
Collin from Speedwell Fire Station. Mike has worked for AF&RS
for 20 years but previously served as an officer in
the Corps of Royal Engineers.
He said: “Although we’re all experienced walkers and runners,
this challenge is something of an unknown. Our fire kit and
breathing apparatus will add a lot of weight to what we’re used to,
but experience from our training has taught us to expect very
oppressive conditions as a result of the added heat from the
clothing.
“The aim is to reach the summit within two hours so we’ll be
setting out in the early hours of the morning to try and miminise
the effects of heat and dehydration.
“Both Help for Heroes and The Fire Fighter’s Charity do vital
work for the deserving people they support in the armed forces and
the UK fire and rescue services.”
In the run up to the challenge the team members have been taking
part in events such as the Taunton Marathon, the Grizzly 20,
The Tough Ten and numerous other road races and training days.
They have also carried out practice runs in their fire kit at
Pen-y-Fan in mid-Wales to prepare themselves for a challenge which
has won high profile support.
Westcountry explorer David Hempleman-Adams said of the
fundraising effort: “Throughout my career, I have harboured the
utmost respect for individuals serving both in our armed forces and
the fire services nationwide and therefore have no hesitation in
wishing Mike’s team every success on Mount Snowdon. Both charities
are extremely deserving and I sincerely hope the target of £10,000
is exceeded.”
Sir Ranulph Fiennes said: “I wish them every success on the day and
would like to pass on my admiration for their efforts.”
To make a donation towards the £10,000 target visit www.justgiving.com/michaelcollin
to support The Fire Fighters Charity or www.justgiving.com/michaelcollin1
to support Help for Heroes.
Donations can also be made directly to the appeal holding
account - Three Peaks Mt Snowdon Appeal, LloydsTSB account number
2444299 sort code 30-98-06.
Any companies donating over £200 will have their logo included
in the group photo on the summit.
More information about the challenge is available from the
charity area of this
website.