Firefighter bids to be named world’s toughest

A firefighter from Staffordshire is taking part in the World Firefighter Games to raise money for charity and mark 50 years of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Richard Mortimer will represent England in the Toughest Firefighter Alive event in Aalborg, Denmark, in September.

It will see him run with a mock casualty, scale a wall using a rope and sprint 100 metres before racing up 15 floors, with a total of 225 steps, among other challenges.

As part of his preparation, the 49-year-old, from Cannock White Watch, recently took part in the British Firefighter Challenge in Liverpool.

He said: “For the World Firefighter Games I won’t know exactly when my event will take place until closer to the time, but it will be around 11 September.

“Training is going well but one of the most important things is remaining injury free. My trainer has designed a programme for me to follow and I’m setting new personal best times for park runs.

“The competition takes place over four stages and I have 10 minutes to complete each stage before the next one starts. So the faster I can complete each stage the more rest I get before the next one begins.”

Richard is raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity.

“I joined Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2001 and I’ve had the good fortune to work alongside some of the most kind and inspirational people.

“Our firefighters are always there for us when we need them, often in the lowest and most terrifying moments of our lives. To do that they need to be physically and mentally well at work and at home.

“The charity is there for every member of the UK’s fire service community, helping them to live healthier and happier lives, and has supported friends of mine when they needed it the most.”

The charity supports past and present fire and rescue service personnel, as well as families and many other eligible individuals across a community of around 300,000 people.

It offers a range of services, from expert support and advice over the phone, online or in-person, to groups for retirees and a wellbeing hub.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is celebrating 50 years since the organisation first came together.

The service was formed on 1 April, 1974, following the Local Government Act 1972; bringing together Stoke-on-Trent Fire Brigade, Burton-on-Trent Fire Brigade and Staffordshire Fire Brigade into a single organisation.

We will be celebrating with a series of events, sharing of memories and a challenge to raise £50,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity over the next 12 months.

To sponsor Richard, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/richard-mortimer-1724314497980?

Visit www.firefighterscharity.org.uk to find out more about the charity.