Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service firefighters, both serving and retired, tackled the 35 mile Sandstone Trail across Cheshire and Shropshire for charity recently, raising over £1,600 for The Fire Fighters Charity and their local Tarporley Cottage Hospital.

The eight firefighters completed the challenge from Tarporley in Cheshire to Whitchurch in Shropshire, in just ten hours. Information on the Sandstone Trail website advises that only the super fit can complete the Trail in that time, with most people taking two to three days with overnight stops. 

Keith Brooks, Area Manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It doesn't surprise me that, even in retirement, local firefighters still look to help out their local community and their service by raising money for charities that are obviously dear to their hearts."  

Tarporley Cottage Hospital is one of only three in the country that is fully funded by charitable donations. Roland Dawson, Board Trustee for the hospital, said: "All monies received are extremely welcome and help in all aspects of running a local hospital."

Martin Dowle, Community and Road Safety Manager with the service, and who organised the event, said: "We'd like to thank many local businesses for their assistance.  However, the real success of this event was the dedication of those that took part on the day - Dave Butters, Les Roberts, Mike Dean, Pat Allen, Dave Windsor, Maurice Hunt, Keith Rich and Dave Greatorex -  with a special mention to Mike Hayward."

 

Date posted: 02.02.11