Firefighter to take on mammoth 1,000 mile cycling challenge

A firefighter is in preparation for a mammoth bike ride to raise money for two charities.

Russ Brown, Station Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, will join fellow firefighters from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service in cycling 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats over 10 days starting on Thursday (20 July).

Russ and the team are aiming to raise £3,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The challenge will see Russ and his fellow cyclists cycle more than 90 miles per day for both charities and in memory of loved ones who have passed away as a result of coronavirus and cancer.

The Fire Fighters Charity supports the mental, physical and social needs of all serving and retired members of the UK’s fire family.

On day four of the ten-day challenge (Sunday 23 July), the cyclists will travel through Worcestershire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. 

Russ has been a firefighter for 18 years at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and is based at Codsall Fire Station. He said: “I’ve worked at stations across the county and seen things that most people will thankfully never see, but due to the nature of the family feel of the fire and rescue service there has always been support available to me.

“Working for the fire service is not just a job but more a way of life, with some exceptional people who help so many on a daily basis.

“We’ve chosen to raise money for two amazing charities and I know The Fire Fighters Charity provides incredible support for firefighters, so raising money for them was something we really wanted to do.

“Macmillan Cancer Support is extremely close to all our hearts and I’m sure like most people we have all been directly or indirectly affected by cancer in some way shape or form.

“To be able to challenge myself with the mental and physical aspects of this adventure and knowing others will benefit from our efforts is really inspiring.

“I’d also like to thank our volunteers who have helped plan this challenge along with donating cycling equipment and food.”

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, said: “Russ and the team have the support of the whole fire service behind them. I’ll be joining the team for part of the ride - but the scale of the full challenge is absolutely enormous and I’d encourage people to dig deep and donate to help inspire them to complete this incredible feat.”

To show your support and donate, visit their fundraising page.