Tuesday 6
July
14.00hrs
Four firefighters from Avon Fire & Rescue Service are
celebrating after winning this year’s gruelling Four Peaks
Challenge.
It was the first time that Mike Collin, from White Watch at
Speedwell Fire Station, Scott Cole, from Red Watch at Kingswood
Fire Station, and Mark Searle and Nick Sheppard, from Red Watch at
Bath Fire Station, had entered the challenge.
During the event, which started on Thursday 1 July, the team
scaled Ben Nevis, in Scotland, Helvellyn, in England, Snowdon, in
Wales, and Carantouhill, in Ireland over a 48 hour period.
Using their experience of taking part in the Three Peaks
Challenge, the team competed against 42 other groups, completing
the event in seven hours and 15 minutes, two hours ahead of their
nearest rivals.
Mike Collin, who led the ‘Jampotters’ team said: “It was a
fabulous event, very tough going but very rewarding. When you
compete in the Three Peaks Challenge you don’t get to interact with
many of the other teams, but in the Four Peaks event you get
together at the start of each mountain, so there was lots of
camaraderie.
“This was the first time we had taken part in this event, and
while it was tough at times, we were a strong team and kept each
other going through the tough times.
“Some of the teams came from all over the world including Dubai,
Germany, Sweden and Australia and there was a great atmosphere. I
am hoping we will be able to enter a team next year too.”
So far the Jampotters have raised nearly £5,000 for the Wooden
Spoon charity, which helps disadvantaged and disabled children and
their families.
Mike said: “While we have already raised a significant amount of
money through events and donations, we are keen to raise as much as
possible for this very worthwhile cause. We realise there are many
good causes out there worthy of support, but we would be very
grateful for any donations we receive.”
To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/4peaksjampotters
The team received a number of contributions from corporate
sponsors including Ford, who donated an S-Max car for the team to
use on their journey.
Care Futures, TKM Commercial Cleaning, Imagine IT Support and
British Military Fitness also provided support and donations.
The team is hoping companies encouraged by their efforts this
year will sponsor them for the 2011 Four Peaks Challenge.
Ends