Rowing challenge during Frodsham Fire Station’s virtual open day raises over £350 for charity

Fundraising Frodsham firefighters have amassed more than £350 for charity by completing a relentless rowing challenge during the first virtual open day in their fire station’s history.

The on-call crews at Frodsham Fire Station set themselves the daunting task of completing 100,000 metres on a rowing machine over the duration of the open day.

People following the Frodsham Fire Station Facebook and Twitter accounts between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 2 August were able to keep tabs on the challenge.

The firefighters surpassing their target by rowing £117,695m capped off a memorable day and the crews are delighted to have raised some much needed funds for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Station Manager Paul Watts said: “We are delighted with how the landmark virtual open day went and hope that the people of Frodsham enjoyed the range of informative and fun things they were able to view via social media.

“We hold an open day every year and we were not willing to let the restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic halt that tradition.

“Modern technology enabled us to safely show residents the equipment that we use and tell them about the lifesaving work we do.

“The day included an introduction from Watch Manager Dave Buckland, a gallery of the whole team at Frodsham, a tour around our fire engine, a video about The Fire Fighters Charity and the work that it does, a question and answer session, a chip pan safety video and a look back at some of the training and incidents that have been keeping our firefighters busy over the past year.

“But the highlight of the day was our firefighters managing to complete a 100,000m rowing challenge in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.

“We devised the fundraising challenge and set up a JustGiving page for it in a bid to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

“Our chosen charity is the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance the quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.

“The charity relies on donations and fundraising for the essential respite, recuperation and rehabilitation that it provides for sick and injured firefighters and their families.

“The coronavirus pandemic has caused a massive reduction in the level of funding The Fire Fighters Charity has received this year and everyone at Frodsham Fire Station is thrilled that we managed to complete the exhausting challenge.”

The rowing machine was used non-stop during the day, with the firefighters taking it in turns to clock up the necessary miles.

Paul added: “It was a tiring challenge but everyone managed to complete at least their allotted miles.

“It was fantastic to see everyone giving their all for what is such a worthy cause.

“I would like to thank everyone who has made a donation for the charity via our JustGiving page.

“The page is still active and we hope more people will donate now that we have completed the challenge, giving as much money as they can.

“The Fire Fighters Charity will certainly put the money to good use.”

To make a donation go online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Frodshamff2020?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=Frodshamff2020&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=4e3d2d3b145949d195b7fc413d265123.

Pictured -  Watch Manager Dave Buckland joined his firefighters in rowing for charity.