Fire crews raise over £2,000 for cancer charity

SOUTH Wales Fire and Rescue Service have raised more than £2,000 for Breast Cancer Care by taking part in the first ever Wales on Wheels static bike challenge.

The team were the first to cross the finish line after cycling hundreds of kilometres, making them the winners of the two-day event.

Rachael Power, community fundraiser at Breast Cancer Care, presented South Wales Fire and Rescue Service with their well-deserved trophy last week.

The fundraiser saw nine companies compete against each other along a 550km virtual route around Wales, heading north from Cardiff and then back down to Cardigan.

This was the first Wales on Wheels event and the challenge will become a fixture in the Breast Cancer Care fundraising calendar thanks to the enthusiasm of all the companies involved: NatWest, Barclays, SSE, Reed South Wales, Bryn Meadows, HMRC, Eversheds Sutherland, Arriva Trains Wales and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Tony Jackson, station manager for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “After my wife Sally was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was a really tough time.

“I am grateful to Breast Cancer Care for the support they gave Sally through her treatment and continue to provide her today.

“Getting involved with Wales on Wheels was the perfect opportunity to raise money so that more people have access to this invaluable support.”

Marguerite Holloway, head of Breast Cancer Care Cymru, added: “We’re so grateful to all the companies who took part in the first Wales on Wheels and fundraised in aid of Breast Cancer Care

“The money raised will help Breast Cancer Care to continue to provide free face-to-face local services, support over the phone with a nurse or someone who’s been through a similar experience, welcoming online forums, and reliable information.

“Every year around 2,900 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in Wales. With support from organisations like South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, we can be here for more people, whenever they need us.”

If you would like to register your interest for Wales on Wheels 2019, please visit wales-on-wheels.com or call 029 2023 4073.