Two firefighters from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service are attempting to get across America in 18 days, starting from San Francisco and ending in New York.

Jayne Putland and Adrian Davis take on their challenge this Sunday July 17, in San Fransisco and aim to finish in New York on August 3. Throughout their challenge, they are using as many different modes of transport as they can without spending a penny, whilst wearing full firefighter kit.

This challenge follows on from their success in 2010 becoming overall winners of The Great Escape Charity Hitchhike Challenge. They had to get as far away as possible in 36 hours, reaching Warsaw in Poland, covering 914 miles, again in full firefighter kit.

The response and support they received was overwhelming which prompted them to set this challenge of crossing the West Coast to East Coast of America.

They would like to raise £2000, which will be split between the following charities: Cancer Research UK, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

If you would like to make a donation please go to: www.justgiving.com/teams/firebugs2011.

Adrian and Jayne have already been raising more funds for their trip, collecting money outside local supermarkets and asking local schools to get involved too. They will be taking a blackberry with them so that they can update Twitter and Facebook and Adrian will have a helmet cam on the journey.

Chief Fire Officer Jon Hall said: "Adrian and Jayne are showing their full commitment and dedication to the three charities they are hoping to raise money for.

"I hope that they raise as much money as they can, and they have got the full backing of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

"I will be following their progress closely on Facebook and Twitter, and will be pleased to welcome them back after their impressive journey."

Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: "Good luck to Adrian and Jayne - they've set themselves a real challenge to fundraise for these very worthwhile charities.

"I wish them all the best and hope they can raise as much money as possible."

 

Posted: 13.40, 14.7.11, rachael.haydon@pavpub.com