Fundraising firefighters set for 300-mile cycling challenge

A team of firefighters are gearing up to cycle more than 300 miles in aid of charity this weekend.

The on-call crew from Tarporley Community Fire Station will be cycling a total of 304 miles, which equates to the distance between Tarporley and its twin town Bohers in France.

The daunting challenge has been organised to raise much needed funds for Tarporley War Memorial Hospital and The Fire Fighters Charity.

Tarporley firefighter Martin Boardman said: “Tarporley War Memorial Hospital and The Fire Fighters Charity are both very worthy charities which provide essential support.

“As the local fire crew, we see fist hand what an important role Tarporley War Memorial Hospital plays within the community.

“Its work is particularly important at the moment, as we experience one of the most challenging periods of our lives due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Fire Fighters Charity is dedicated to providing essential respite, recuperation and rehabilitation for sick and injured firefighters and their families.

“Both charities rely on donations and fundraising, and the coronavirus pandemic has caused a massive reduction in the level of funding they have received.

“We are determined to do our bit and make up some of the shortfall.”

The crew will take on the exhausting challenge without even leaving the village or crossing the English Channel.

Instead, they will be using a static exercise bike near to the Rising Sun pub on Tarporley High Street, with the fundraising challenge starting at 9am on Saturday 12 September.

Martin added: “A crowdfunding page has been set up for the challenge and we will also be collecting money on the day.

“We want to raise as much money as possible for the two essential charities and I ask anyone who is willing to do donate to visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=Tarporley-Bohars&pageUrl=1 or come along and see us undertaking the challenge, from a safe distance, on Saturday.”