Firefighters raise funds in full-kit charity hike

A group of firefighters and supporters have completed a charity hill-walk - in full kit.

The group from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) completed the nine-mile (15km) hike over the Malverns in full uniform, some carrying breathing apparatus, which totalled about 25kg (55lb).

The event has so far raised more than £700 for the Fire Fighters Charity, which helps serving and retired members. Organiser and Ledbury crew member Tom Brooks-Simon said his colleagues were "an amazing team".

HWFRS is aiming to raise a total of £50,000 for the charity to mark the 50th anniversary of the service.

The group completed the End to End route on the Malverns, following the ridge from Chase End to North Hill on Saturday.

The highest peak is about 1,400ft (425m) above sea level.

Mr Brooks-Simon said the charity was an obvious choice for their support: "You never know when you may require the fire service, and the fire service never know when they may require the charity".

The walk is part of the service's "Fifty for Fifty" campaign.

It marks HWFRS's 50th birthday - the service was formed in 1974 by the amalgamation of the County of Hereford Fire Brigade and the Worcester City & County Fire Brigade.

As of October, the appeal had raised more than £12,000 of its £50,000 target.

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