London Fire Brigade staff are undertaking a unique and gruelling 370-mile charity bike ride that will see them visit every neighbouring Fire and Rescue Service to London.
The ‘Big Brigade Bike Ride’ will challenge the team of 18 to tackle two arduous 90-mile days and three comparatively straightforward 40 to 60 mile days. The route will take the brave cyclists to every neighbouring Fire and Rescue Service as they visit Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex.
While their legs recover at each stop, the team and their neighbours will be fundraising for Fire Fighters Charity, whom they will visit at their Littlehampton site as part of the route.
Station Officer Victoria Archer, one of the event organisers, said: “I’m incredibly proud to be supporting the Big Brigade Bike Ride. Throughout every mile, I’ll be there to encourage our riders and make sure they feel encouraged every step of the way.
“Having seen first-hand how Fire Fighter’s Charity has helped my colleagues recover from injuries and return to work, I know just how vital their support is.
“I hope our firefighting colleagues and the wider public can get behind our team and support us by cheering us on, donating money and by spreading the word about the amazing work Fire Fighter’s Charity does for injured firefighters and their families.”
So far, the team have raised over £2,500 for Fire Fighters Charity. Several members of the team have received support from the charity when they were injured, ill or needed psychological support.
Sub Officer Chris Van-Roten said: “When I had a hip replacement during the pandemic, I felt isolated and I didn’t have any support to get me literally back on my feet.
“That’s when I turned to Fire Fighters Charity. They gave me someone to talk to and I visited them four times for rehabilitation of my hip. I truly believe I wouldn’t be able to walk properly today let alone be fully operational if it wasn’t for their support.
“The Big Brigade Bike Ride is our way of giving back to the charity that has helped so many of us. If you can, please consider donating via our GoFundMe page.”
Charitable events organised by the Brigade this year have raised thousands of pounds for Fire Fighters Charity from activities such as car washes, station open days and firefighter challenges.
Louise Furneaux, Regional Fundraiser at Fire Fighters Charity, said: “On behalf of everyone at Fire Fighters Charity, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those taking part in this incredible challenge – within London Fire Brigade and across the neighbouring FRSs, who are supporting the team.
“The Big Brigade Bike Ride is a powerful example of what can be achieved through teamwork. They’re not only raising vital funds but also shining a light on the life-changing support we provide to fire and rescue personnel and their families – during and after service.”
The team will embark from Brigade HQ on Monday 29 September and return on Friday 3 October.
To find out more about The Big Brigade Bike Ride, visit their GoFundMe page.
