Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has proudly presented a cheque for over £9,600 to The Fire Fighters Charity and Wales Air Ambulance as a result of the fantastic fundraising efforts of the Fire Ride 2015 team.

The Fire Ride 2015 was a 1350 mile cycle that linked Wales’ 152 fire stations. The route was made up of 14 consecutive stages with riders covering an average of 98 miles per day for the entire ride. A core team of riders completed the full 1350 mile ride and hundreds more attended to support and join in the challenge by completing individual stages of the event.

Mick Crennel, Deputy Chief Fire Officer said:

“This is a fantastic achievement by the Fire Ride 2015 team and the Service would like to thank everybody who got involved in raising such a large sum of money for the two chosen charities.

I would personally like to offer a special thank you to the three core riders, Jonathan Evans , Charlie Taylor and Councillor Paul James who all went above and beyond the call of duty to support this fundraising event”.

Councillor Paul James, who was part of the core group of riders and a member of the Fire Authority said:

“Although this was an incredibly difficult ride, it was an honour to take part for such great causes. Jonathan, Charlie and I built a lasting friendship during the ride and I would personally like to thank everybody who supported and participated in the event.

Your commitment, support and involvement has raised a fantastic sum of money. I would also like to thank Area Manager Iwan Cray and Suzanne Morris, Carmarthenshire Command Coordinator, who did a fantastic job in helping to organise the event.”