Firefighters Complete Epic Charity Challenge Around The Isle Of Wight

Monday, 25 July 2022 10:14

Firefighters have completed an epic trip - over land and sea - around the Isle of Wight.

Firefighters from Ryde's Green Watch swapped their fire boots and hoses for walking boots and oars as they circumnavigated the Island.

Having started the trek on Friday (22), they completed the fundraiser last night.

Sorry for the radio silence since lunch time. We've spent the last 4 hours clambering over rocks the size if cars, but we made it to Ventnor. Tomorrow is an early start 5/6AM for our last day, all the way back to hover travel. Thank for everyone support, https://t.co/t0YpxiA9lh pic.twitter.com/6WpBnSUrPl
— Ryde Fire, Green watch IWFRS (@HIWFRSRYDE) July 23, 2022

The challenge was the brainchild of Ryde station's watch manager, Chas Wright, who is retiring next year.

It's to raise money for the Wight Brainy Bunch — a charity set up by firefighter Mark Grimes and his wife, Kat, to support Island families affected by brain tumours.

Brilliant first day, we have walked, clambered, waded, swam kayacked. Laughed, and raised money and awareness for @WightBrain. Thanks to everyone for all the support, tomorrow is an 8:30-9AM start from Freshwater bay heading for Ventnor or shsnklin. pic.twitter.com/vQ2t1423ND
— Ryde Fire, Green watch IWFRS (@HIWFRSRYDE) July 22, 2022

Mark is recovering, having twice been diagnosed with the illness.

He told Isle of Wight Radio:

"I set it [the charity] up in 2016 following my own diagnosis. Charity work has been quite difficult over the last few years because of the pandemic.

"People like Chas coming up with the event, and various other people, wanting to do things for the charity, it makes all the difference and allows the charity to keep supporting other Island families affected by brain tumours."

Kat Grimes from The Wight Brainy Bunch, said:

"Green Watch completed their epic Green Vs Wight shoreline Challenge this evening (Sun) just after 6pm... 60 hours after leaving Ryde Hovertravel!

"Huge thanks to everyone who followed them and supported them along the way. Especially Shanklin Fire Station for coming out to support them and Ryde Fire Station Blue Watch for welcoming them home!"

Weve made it Sandown pier safely, thr next decision what time and tide is best to get around culver@iwightradio @islandecho @iwcponline @HantsIOW_fire pic.twitter.com/PVnwCMIs7L
— Ryde Fire, Green watch IWFRS (@HIWFRSRYDE) July 24, 2022

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/greenvswight

Or to donate £5, text the word GREEN to 70460. To donate more, simply text GREEN followed by the amount (for example GREEN10 will donate £10). You can also donate directly to the charity via their website: www.thewightbrainybunch.org.uk/donate.

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Firefighters Complete Epic Charity Challenge Around The Isle Of Wight

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