Notts fire chief will be doing sporty events to support the Fire Fighters Charity

Nottinghamshire's chief fire officer is once again gearing up for another set of gruelling tasks as part of his annual Chief's Challenge '“ which is set to be harder than ever this year.

John Buckley will once again be joined on the challenge, which is organised in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity, by deputy chief fire officer Wayne Bowcock, assistant chief fire officer Craig Parkin and staff from across the Service.

However, this year will see the challenge being spread over a number of weeks, with a range of mentally and physically draining tasks already lined up – each of them revolving around a ‘10K’ theme set by the CFO himself.

John, who is also the service’s champion for the charity, said: “It’s set to be a tough few weeks ahead but I’m really looking forward to it. I know the local crews have done a fantastic job in organising these events so I can’t wait to get involved and hopefully we can raise as much money as possible for this very worthy charity.”

Amongst the challenges planned so far are a 10 kilometre run around Hucknall in full fire kit and breathing apparatus, a 10 kilometre cycle relay on a static bike in Arnold and a 10 kilometre hose run in Misterton.

It is hoped through taking on these challenges that John and the team will be able to raise a whopping £10,000 for the charity. This figure falls in line with the challenge’s ‘10K’ theme – an idea thought up by a member of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service staff as part of a staff suggestion scheme.

John said: “Raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity and supporting it in all the work it does is something we’re all really passionate about here at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.”

“This year we have a big fundraising target and I really hope that the people in our local communities will dig deep and get behind us. Many of the events taking place are at public events or at station open days and it would be great to see as many people there as possible supporting their local firefighters.”

Planned events include:

Saturday, May 21: 10km hose run challenge at Misterton Fire Station – which will be open to the public between 9.30am and 12 noon on the day.

Sunday May 29: 10km cycle relay on a static bike at Lidl in Arnold. The firefighters taking part will be from Arnold Fire Station.

Wednesday, June 22: A 10km themed ‘school sports day’ event on the sports field at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters in Bestwood Lodge.

Saturday, June 25: Firefighters from Bingham Fire Station will be taking on a 10,000kg weight lifting challenge at the East Bridgford Show. This will run from 12 noon to 2.46pm – a total of 10,000 seconds.

Saturday, June 25: A 10km cycle ride around Collingham – taking part will be CFO Buckley and the firefighters from Collingham Fire Station.

Saturday, July 2: 10km rowing challenge on the rowing machine in the gym at Southwell Fire Station. This will also coincide with an Open Day at the station.

Anyone who would like to sponsor John click here.