Free day out at Wasps to say thanks
EMERGENCY services personnel who sacrificed spending the festive period with their families to keep the public safe are being treated to a free day out by Wasps.
The Black and Golds are offering all emergency services workers free entry to the Club’s European Rugby Challenge Cup clash with Bordeaux-Begles at Ricoh Arena on Saturday 18 January.
John Asher is an Operational Crew Commander for West Midlands Fire Service at Foleshill Community Fire Station, and is taking the Club up on its offer.
John, who has been with the fire service for more than 17 years, said: “It is tough missing some big family events whether it is Christmas, birthdays or anniversaries, but I really enjoy helping to protect the public, and gestures such as this one from Wasps reminds us that we are appreciated.
“Working with the fire service is like being part of a big family who support one another, but there have been some difficult experiences in the past at this time of year that tend to come to the fore.
“On Christmas Day in 2005 we attended a fatal car crash leading up to midnight where unfortunately a young man lost his life.
“Although it was tragic in itself and the paramedics could do nothing to save him, we were determined not to let the young man die on Christmas Day, so continued to keep going until after midnight.
“That said, I wouldn’t change the job that I do for the world – even though I am away from my family for two nights every week. To know I am playing an important role in protecting the public, whilst helping to develop and bring through the next generation of firefighters, is just amazing and really rewarding.
“Contrary to popular belief, we don’t sit around playing darts or snooker while waiting to be called out to an emergency.
“We have structured days where we are carrying out drills amongst other training to ensure we are prepared, as well as giving talks out in the local community, until we are needed for a reallife emergency.
“We also turned our fire station into a food bank over the festive period for those who couldn’t access their usual outlets, and we were able to make a difference to several families.
“We’re really grateful to Wasps for this gesture of a day out, and I’m really looking forward to the game.”
Emergency services personnel who wish to take advantage of a free ticket for themselves and their family should email marketing@wasps.co.uk from their work email address.
Verity Brown, Marketing Manager at Wasps, added: “We have forged strong links with the emergency services in recent years – including dedicating a home fixture to them every year – so we know first-hand how much dedication they put into keeping the general public safe. Even if this offer provides the chance for one emergency services worker to have a fun day out with the family then it will have been worth it.”
Tickets for Wasps versus BordeauxBegles are available from www.wasps. co.uk.