District councillor and businessman Harry Drury is joining Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s latest cohort of recruits to raise money for the Firefighters’ Charity by organising and participating in a sponsored 10km hose run.
Harry, who is currently undergoing training to become an on call firefighter with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, based at Spalding Fire Station, said: “Seven recruits will be running out, under running and making up 10km of hose in one day and in full fire kit.
“Charities have struggled to raise money throughout COVID-19 and we, as LFR’s newest recruits, feel it’s important that we play our part in supporting such an important charity, set up to support current and ex-fire fighters and their families, when in need of support either physically, mentally or socially.”
Running out, under running and making up a length of 70mm hose is physically demanding. Each hose is 25m in length and weighs around 15kg. That’s 50 hose runs each, totalling 3.75km per firefighter.
The Firefighters’ Charity offers specialist lifelong support for members of the UK’s fire services community, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives.
Harry added: “I knew prior to beginning my training that it was going to be challenging but had no idea just how challenging.
“From the first day I arrived, there was a huge amount of education, not only practically but also in the lecture rooms.
“There are so many skills which we must learn in order to prepare us to respond to incidents, but not only fires, but also water rescue, road traffic collisions, rescues from height, trauma etc.
“With each practical skill, there is an education and strict process to accompany it, from erecting a 13.5 meter ladder, learning to use breathing apparatus and methods of search and rescue, to fire science and learning essential facts, figures and mathematical equations in order to allow us to effectively carry out our duty in the safest possible manner.
“I’m half way through my training and the highlight so far has to be sitting in a container in full fire kit and breathing apparatus watching a fire evolve through its various stages reaching temperatures from 600 to 800 degrees, then learning how to effectively cool and fight the fire back without using excessive water and avoiding creating hot steam.
“I can honestly say I have loved every second of training so far and cannot give enough credit to the incredible watch managers who train and educate us in every aspect of firefighting.
“Their knowledge and methods used to take us from civilians to operational firefighters is incredible. If successful, I will pass out from training on July 26 and join the fantastic on-call crew at Spalding Fire Station, being on call from work, my council duties and home 24/7, 12 days out of 14.”
The team are asking for donations using the secure site, JustGiving. If you wish to make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/10kmhoserun
