FIREFIGHTERS from Northwich Fire Station are preparing to take on their biggest challenge yet in aid of a charity close to their hearts.

They will be climbing the height of Mount Everest – around 8,848 metres – in one day, using ladders and their on-site training tower to raise vital funds for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Founded 77 years ago, the charity offers support for firefighters in times of need, including help for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after a harrowing callout.

But due to the coronavirus pandemic, fundraisers for the charity across the country have been cancelled while running costs have continued, and there is a very real fear that it could go under.

That is why crew members from Northwich are joining many from fire stations across the UK in doing whatever they can to keep this valuable resource going.

Speaking to the Guardian, firefighter Mike Donnan said: “We usually hold events like car washes and invite people to see around the fire station on open days to fundraise for The Fire Fighters Charity, but we’ve not been able to recently.

“The charity is suffering on a grand scale, has had to furlough staff and there is a real risk of it going under.

“It’s there for firefighters who have to go to road traffic collisions and have to see things they wouldn’t want to see and it helps firefighters recover from injuries, which is why crews around the country are rallying around to support it.

“We wanted to do something a bit different than other stations with a bit more risk to it to capture people’s attention and raise as much money as we can for such a great cause.

“It’s going to be a challenge and some of the firefighters are a bit apprehensive about it, but I think we’ll be able to do it on the day.”

On-call watch manager Trevor Bebbington added: “We love a challenge, and this is definitely going to be a gruelling test.

“Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, and as part of the challenge we will all have to scale the ladders a staggering 655 times.

“We have created a JustGiving for the challenge and are hoping to raise at least £1,500 for the charity.

“I urge people to donate as much money as they can for the fantastic work that it does.”

The team from Northwich Fire Station will embark on the daunting challenge at 10am on Saturday, July 18.

If you would like to donate, with all proceeds going directly to The Fire Fighters Charity, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/northwich-firefighters-climb-everest