Firefighters ready to take on gruelling 600mile cycling challenge
A TEAM of firefighters will look to complete a gruelling cycling challenge spanning 600 miles this week.
The group, made up of both current and retired Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews and staff, are from a number of stations, including in the Borders.
They are aiming to raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity and Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide.
Fifteen cyclists are taking part in the journey, which kicked off from Tyndrum Community Fire Station in Stirlingshire on Monday (May 20).
They will be pedalling past 65 community fire stations across the challenge, covering an impressive average of 100 miles per day.
They will stop in the Borders on the fifth, sixth and seventh days of the challenge, visiting Eyemouth, Duns, Coldstream and Kelso on Friday.
Next up are Jedburgh, Newcastleton, Hawick, Selkirk, Galashiels and Lauder on Saturday.
The crews will tick off Innerleithen, Peebles and West Linton on Sunday before finally arriving in Edinburgh.
Station Commander Garry Douglas, speaking on behalf of the team, said everyone was excited to get started.
“Each pedal stroke will be that little bit easier knowing that
we’re contributing to something greater,” he said. “It’s not just about the miles we will cover, but hopefully the impact that we can make by raising funds for two charities that have been steadfast pillars of support for our service during trying times.”
Lyndsay Campbell, community fundraiser at The Fire Fighters Charity, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved in organising this fantastic challenge.
“The funds raised will go directly towards supporting our health and wellbeing services and will undoubtedly make a life-changing difference to many individuals in our fire services community.
“I wish the team all the best for the challenge. Thank you to the crew, sponsors and local community for all of their support.”