Firefighters ‘chase sun’ in memory of pal Paul

A TEAM of cyclists from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service took part in an annual cycling challenge on Saturday, to honour a firefighter who died while on duty.

The eight firefighters joined hundreds of other cyclists in a coast to coast challenge, Chase the Sun, which saw riders set off at sunrise and arrive at their destination by sunset.

Taking part was originally suggested by Shepshed’s Paul “TL” Wilkens, a crew manager at Castle Donington Station.

Paul, pictured, was a keen cyclist and part of the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Cycling Club.

He never got to take part as he died in August 2016. In memory of Paul, his colleagues – including his brother Simon – friends and cycling team-mates successfully took part in their first Chase the Sun challenge the year after Paul passed away – something they have done ever since.

This year’s ride started at sunrise at the historic Titanic docks of Belfast, up the dramatic coastal road and the Antrim Glens, heading inland to traverse forests, mountains, and loughs. The route crossed the border of Northern and Republic of Ireland, and finished at sunset along the wild Atlantic way beaches at Enniscrone.

Simon Wilkens, crew manager with the fire service, said: “As this was something Paul and I had planned to do together, it always becomes an emotional journey before the cycling challenges start.

“We hope that in doing this event the whole of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will all remember Paul by doing and supporting something he thoroughly enjoyed.”

They did the ride not only in memory of Paul, but to also raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity which provides physical, mental health and social wellbeing support to past and present members of the fire service community.

If you would like to support the team and The Fire Fighters Charity, visit: