Firefighters Complete Full-Kit Charity Hike for Service Anniversary

Members of the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS), alongside supporters, have successfully concluded a charity hill-walk. The participants traversed nine miles (15km) across the Malverns while wearing full uniform, with some also carrying breathing apparatus, bringing the total weight to approximately 25kg (55lb). To date, the initiative has generated over £700 for the Fire Fighters Charity, an organization dedicated to assisting both active and former members of the fire service. Tom Brooks-Simon, who organized the event and is a Ledbury crew member, commended his colleagues, stating they were “an amazing team”. The HWFRS seeks to accumulate a total of £50,000 for the charity, commemorating the service’s 50th anniversary. On Saturday, the group completed the Malverns’ End to End route, tracing the ridge from Chase End to North Hill. The highest point along this path reaches approximately 1,400ft (425m) above sea level. Mr. Brooks-Simon articulated that the charity was a clear choice for their fundraising efforts, remarking: “You never know when you may require the fire service, and the fire service never know when they may require the charity”. This walk forms a component of the service’s “Fifty for Fifty” campaign. It celebrates HWFRS’s 50th anniversary; the service was established in 1974 through the merger of the County of Hereford Fire Brigade and the Worcester City & County Fire Brigade. By October, the appeal had successfully gathered over £12,000 towards its £50,000 objective.