Fire crews’ cruise combats isolation
RUNCORN firefighters took to the open water along with older residents from across Halton the third annual ‘Boats And Hoses’ event.
In conjunction with the Canal Boat Adventure Project, White Watch hosted the group from Widnes and Runcorn for a day out on the canal.
A Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service spokeswoman (CFRS) said those aboard do not usually have the chance to enjoy being out and about received safety talks and socialised.
The trip was organised in conjunction with Halton’s Sure Start To Later Life over-55s scheme.
Among those cruising the Bridgewater Canal from Runcorn Marina to Stockton Heath were residents Stuart and Brenda Lund.
The couple have been married for 62 years and were taken for lunch at the London Bridge public house with their newfound friends.
Cllr Stef Nelson, Cheshire Fire Authority deputy chairman, was at the marina to wave them off.
He said: “Boats And Hoses is a fantastic project created by Runcorn firefighters. This is the third year that we have been doing this trip which involves a leisurely cruise and a hearty lunch before sailing them back to the marina and back to their homes. It is a unique way of showing our more vulnerable residents that they are cared for and that people are prepared to take them out and spend time with them, in addition to obviously getting across some vital fire safety messages.”
Ben Sanderson, watch manager, went on the boat trip and said: “There are many aspects of our job that fill us with pride and satisfaction.
“For Boats And Hoses we got in touch with older residents in our community who, for a variety of reasons, do not get the opportunity to see many people on a day-to-day basis. We immersed ourselves into their lives for a day and they could not have been more grateful.”