Firefighters to climb Everest - right here in Swin

Firefighters to climb Everest - right here in Swindon

4:24pm Friday 27th March 2009

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Firefighters will be climbing Everest at a Swindon shopping centre.

Members of White Watch, based at Drove Road fire station, are aiming to complete an Everest ladder climb – 900 ascents of a fire engine ladder is the equivalent of the mountain’s 29,029ft height next Saturday.

The event, which will start in Canal Walk at 9.30am, is the first major fundraiser of Swindon 50-4-50, a year-long effort by all watches at Drove Road to raise at least £50,000 for the Firefighters’ Charity in celebration of the fire station’s 50th anniversary.

Firefighter John Tregoning, who has organised the ladder climb with his colleagues, said: “We wanted to do an event that was very visual, that used the skills that firefighters have to have, and would attract the public to watch and hopefully donate lots of money.

“We will be using a vintage fire engine for the event, which has been loaned to us by former Wootton Bassett sub-officer Chris Wannell, and there will be both vintage and modern appliances on show.

“We want to launch Swindon 50-4-50 in style, so please come along and support us.”

As well as planning for the ladder climb, White Watch firefighters Chris Pye and Brent Thorley have been busy training for the Devizes to Westminster canoe race over the Easter weekend.

The pair have been seeking sponsorship, and hope to add a generous amount to the Swindon 50-4-50 fund.

To support them, visit www.justgiving.com/brentandchrisdwrace.

Other Swindon 50-4-50 events planned for later in the year include a ladies’ driving challenge at Hullavington airfield on May 17, an open day at Drove Road fire station on July 4, a formal gala in October, and a Thames rowing challenge at the outlet village in November.

Details of all activities can be found at www.swindonfirestation.info.