Readers may remember that today is the day that firefighters from Ryde Fire station begin their latest challenge. To haul 13.5 metre fire service ladder section 67 miles all round the Island.
The challenge starts this morning and will see the firefighters work their way around the Island, stopping at each firestation along the way.
The challenge is to raise sufficient funds to enable St Mary’s Hospital, to purchase an item of heart disease early detection and diagnosis.
The motivation is rooted in the sad and sudden loss of their friend and colleague Paul Fletcher, who at 39 suffered a fatal heart attack at an emergency incident in August 2009, leaving his wife and two young children.
“We apologise if our event delays your travel”
Damon Corr, one of the firefighters leading the challenge sent this message, “To motorists on the Island roads today and Saturday, I apologise now if our ladder hauling event ‘A Wight Carry On’ delays your travel.
“Please be patient in memory of a fine man and colleague lost to heart disease as we are raising the cash to ensure that St Mary’s Hospital is equipped with what it needs to identify such conditions early enough to prevent further tragedies to further Islanders. Thank you.”
The event starts at 10am from Ryde’s Western Gardens, the route being clockwise around the Island, continuing through the night, with the intention of being back at Ryde Canoe Lake by tea-time on Saturday 20th, in time to lead the Ryde Carnival Main Procession before finally finishing the event at the end of the carnival on Ryde Esplanade on Saturday night.
If you see the firefighters do cheer them on and dig deep into your pockets if you can.
The target is £15,000 and they have already raised £13,500. You can donate online at their website.
