A number of firefighters and Support Staff from Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) are running, walking or cycling 104 miles, in a combined time of 80 hours to raise money for Children in Need.
At 8am yesterday, Wednesday 15th November, Pudsey Bear waved off the 10 members of the cycling team at the official start of the Cotswold Way in Chipping Campden. They began their cycle of 100 miles to the finish line at Bath Abbey.
The 30 strong running team also set off at the same time on Wednesday morning and will be completing the 104 mile route in a 10 leg relay.
The cyclists and runners crossed the finish line at Bath Abbey yesterday evening, however those taking part in the walking part of the challenge still have a long hike ahead of them.
The walkers are trekking through the night, for two nights and are aiming to reach Bath on Friday 17th November.
AF&RS Chief Fire Officer, Mick Crennell will be joining the team from 6am on Friday for the final push to the finish line.
Once they arrive on the outskirts of Bath, the walking party will be joined by a team of firefighters who will carry a ladder for two miles to the finish line at Bath Abbey.
Firefighter Mike Collin, who has organised the event has already raised over £2,000 for Children in Need.
Mike said: “I was really pleased at the amount of interest I received from staff wanting to take part in this challenge. There’s been lots of training taking place over the past few months to ensure we’re ready for it.
“We had a great reaction from the public when we had a training day on a treadmill, static bike and rowing machines outside the Southgate centre in Bath and even had Amy Williams MBE pop along to show her support.
“I’m thrilled to have been asked to represent the team and AF&RS on the live Children in Need show on Friday 17 November where I will be announcing the final amount raised, so please give what you can by visiting www.justgiving.com/AFRS300cotswoldtriathlon.”
