Gretna firefighters take on 69-mile challenge

Gretna firefighters Malcolm Crosbie, Graeme Hunter, Mark McCarthy and Stephen Allen set off last Saturday shortly after 6am from the Ambleside Fire Station, before finishing just after 9pm the following day.

They followed the challenging Cumbria Way route through the heart of the Lake District to Carlisle, then following footpaths up to their home fire station in Gretna.

The challenge has so far raised more than £1,800, which will go to the Special Care Baby Unit at the Cumberland Infirmary, after Stephen Allen’s daughter spent eight weeks there after being born 10 weeks premature.

Mr Allen praised the unit, he said: “It was brilliant care. A few of the firefighters at the station have had children in there in the past. They were brilliant with the parents too.”

“We came up with the idea after talking about wanting to do something.”

The money raised has exceeded the group’s expectations.

“We thought if we raised about £1,000 we would be happy and we’ve raised nearly double that. Everyone helping and donating has been great, we’ve had a lot of support everywhere.”

“Lots of people have done something for us.”

The challenge produced mixed emotions for the group. “We enjoyed it, but it was hard going, over 30 miles a day,”continued Mr Allen.

“The second day was 37 miles, a lot of which was elevated ground, so it was really hard.”

“The next day we were all a bit stiff to say the least.”

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust spokeswoman said: ““The Trust is extremely grateful to the firefighters who have undertaken such a challenge to raise money for our Special Care Baby Unit.

“Our staff are very humbled when families say thank you in such an extraordinary way. We can assure all those who have supported this challenge by donating money to the unit that it will be used to directly benefit babies and their parents/carers. Thank you.” For the fundraiser, visit https://tinyurl.com/yxcvvgbw.