Firefighters complete 24-hour Everest challenge

A group of firefighters from Macclesfield who set themselves a challenge to climb the height of Mount Everest have raised more than £4,000 for charity. 

The team of on-call firefighters embarked on their 24-hour endurance walk up and down Shutlingsloe Hill on Friday 3 July, with an aim to climb 8,848 metres collectively. In the end, the firefighters smashed their target, completing more than three times the height with a 22,500m collective ascent. 

The initial fundraising target was £1,000 but the crew have now raised an astonishing £4,046.75. 

All the money raised is set to go to The Fire Fighters Charity, the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance the quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families. 

On-call Crew Manager at Macclesfield Fire Station, Ian Moore said: “We had originally aimed to climb the height of Mount Everest which stands at 8,848m but ended up smashing that by completing 96 ascents. 

“It was a wet and windy night so the conditions were not in our favour, but thanks to the support of each other, members of the public and food donations from local businesses we kept going. 

“One of our firefighters even completed a circuit while wearing a breathing apparatus set! 

“After all the aches and pains, we were so proud to see that we have raised more than £4,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity who are in desperate need of our support during this difficult time. 

“We are so grateful to everyone who donated to our challenge and want them to know that their donations will help the charity maintain its first-class service it provides for firefighters and retirees across the country.” 

Since starting 75 years ago, The Fire Fighters Charity provide a vital service in providing respite, recuperation and rehabilitation for sick and injured firefighters and their families. 

Stuart Plaskett, who is the charity’s co-ordinator for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “I would like to say a huge well done to the on-call firefighters for surpassing not only their Mount Everest goal but also their fundraising target to raise more than £4,000 for this fantastic charity. 

“Without the support of the public, we would not have achieved this so I would also like to say a huge thanks to them for donating what they can. 

“During the coronavirus pandemic, The Fire Fighters Charity has lost around £200,000 of support and I hope that this donation goes a small way in helping them continue to provide the vital assistance they so graciously give to serving and retired firefighters.” 

There is still time to donate to the Macclesfield Firefighters 24-hour challenge, via https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=Macclesfieldfirefighter-Shutlingsloechallenge&pageUrl=4