Pedal power in memory of firefighter Paul Wilkens
A TEAM of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service cyclists took part in a cycling challenge in memory of a crew manager who passed away on duty at Castle Donington Station in August last year.
The ‘Chase the Sun Bike Ride’ in memory of Paul ‘TL’ Wilkens, who died at the age of 47, took place on
Saturday, June 17. After last year’s successful “The
Way of Roses” coast to coast cycle challenge, the group, including Paul who was also on the cycle team, spoke about making this type of challenge an annual event. The “Chase the Sun” event was
suggested by Paul and, following his death, the rest of the team thought it was only right to attend the cycle challenge in honour of their brother, colleague, friend and team mate.
The cycle challenge started in Sheerness in Kent and finished in
Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset - a total distance of 205 miles.
Prior to the bike ride, Simon Wilkens, firefighter at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and brother of Paul, said: “As this is
something Paul and I had planned to do together, it has already become an emotional journey
before it starts. “I have decided to take some of
Paul’s ashes with me for both motivation and also so that it feels like he is still taking part with all of us.” “We hope that in doing this
event the whole of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will all remember Paul by doing/supporting something he thoroughly enjoyed.”