A TEAM of firefighters are gearing up for a daunting charity challenge, covering 3,300 miles in 10 days.

The wholetime and on-call crews at Penketh Fire Station in Warrington are determined to complete the mammoth distance, which equates to the length of the UK coastline, to raise much needed funds for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Watch manager Paul Aney said: “Our chosen charity is the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance the quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.

“The charity relies on donations and fundraising for the essential respite, recuperation and rehabilitation that it provides for sick and injured firefighters and their families.

“The coronavirus pandemic has caused a massive reduction in the level of funding The Fire Fighters Charity has received this year and we are determined to do our bit to help make up some of the shortfall.”

The firefighters will take on the exhausting challenge without leaving their fire station on Widnes Road.

Cycling on an exercise bike that records the virtual distance travelled, they will take it in turns to clock up the necessary miles.

The bike will be used non-stop for 10 days and nights during the charity challenge, which will begin at 8am on Monday.

Paul added: “A JustGiving page has been created for the cycling challenge and we are hoping to raise at least £2,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity.

“Our Penketh firefighters have set themselves a huge distance to clock up on the exercise bike and will all no doubt be exhausted at the end of the 10 days.

“I urge people to donate as much money as they can for their efforts and for the fantastic work that The Fire Fighters Charity does.”

The fundraiser has been organised as part of The Fire Fighters Charity’s Fire Family Challenge initiative.

Anyone willing to make a donation for the charity challenge can do so at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/penketh-fire.