Chris mounts mission to help fellow firefighters

A FORMER firefighter from Burbage will scale a 13,435ft mountain to help raise cash to help fellow firefighters in need.

Chris Bilby, 56, now a Highways traffic officer, served with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service for 32 years retiring in 2014 having reached the rank of Assistant Divisional Officer.

Now he has set his sights on the summit of Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia as part of the cente- nary celebrations of the Institution Of Fire Engineers (IFE).

Set up in 1918 in Leicester, the international body provides learning opportunities for firefighters around the world.

As part of its 100 year celebration, the Malaysian branch of the IFE set a challenge to members to scale the tallest mountain in the region.

Chris and colleague Ash signed up and decided to use the opportunity to raise vital funds for the Firefighters Charity, of which Chris is a company member and sits on the East Midlands regional committee.

A dad-of-four and grandfather-of-two, Chris and Ash will take on the challenge between April 18 and 23.

The pair are funding the trip themselves so every penny rasied can be donated to the cause.

Chris said: “We have no expectations as the amount we raise but every penny will always help and so any amount will help.

“The firefighter’s charity works to help fire and rescue personnel (serving and retired) and their families in times of need with recuperation, rehabilitation, convalescence and support following injury or traumatic events.

“These services include mental health support, something that can and does effect operational staff and their families.

“The Grenfell tragedy has highlighted the extremes that personnel are exposed to but although horrifying in the scale of loss to life, this is just one of the many daily tragic incidents that present Firefighters with images that remain with them for life.

“Rather than just enjoying a gentle (4.095m (13.435ft)) ramble and as an ex service firefighter and officer, I want my efforts to benefit the Charity and thereby help assist all of my brothers and sisters that may have the misfortune to suffer in pursuit of their duties.”

You make a donation to Chris at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-bilby