Firefighters bike ride for charity

A team of firefighters from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service got on their bike to pedal over 220 miles to raise money for three charities recently.

The group of 11 took it in turns to ride a four person bike along its 226 mile journey from Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London.

Weighing in at around half a tonne with the team of four riding it, the bike is called Flame Tamer 2 and was designed and built specifically for this challenge, which took place over the weekend on August 16th and 17th.

A target of £5,000 was reached during the ride and after the cost of the bike has been taken out, the remainder will go to the following charities:

• Alder Hey Children's Charity
• Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity
• Firefighters Charity.

Flamer Tamer 2 has a 10 year live expectancy and has a busy schedule ahead, when it will be used by staff from across the Service to raise even money for charity.

The route started at Alder Hey Children on Saturday August 16th and along the way the team were given a royal welcome by fellow firefighters who provided hospitality, and passers-by who gave them money at various stages along the journey.

Flame Tamer 2 also had a VIP trip across the Mersey on a fire boat to get to its destination.

Tarporley firefighter Martin Boardman was one of the riders. He said: "We are truly amazed at the response we've had and the amount of people who have helped us get the bike on the road including Harbrook Engineering, Reaseheath College and Audlem Cyclesport.

"Also to everyone who has given donations, you have all made our trip worthwhile so I thank you."

The team have a Virgin Money Giving page so people can still donate: www.virginmoneygiving.com/Flametamer2

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