Yorkshire firefighters complete 275-mile cycle of region's fire stations to raise money for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind charity

Fire and rescue staff swapped hoses for helmets spending 21 hours cycling between 32 fire stations for a mental health charity.
Thirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between 32 different stationsThirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between 32 different stations
Thirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between 32 different stations

Thirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between all the different stations, riding through North Yorkshire North Lincolnshire, the East Riding and North East Lincolnshire on June 19.

Firefighter Paul Wainwright, who planned the journey, said: “I’m so proud of everyone for getting around.”

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The 43-year-old, who lives in York and works in Scunthorpe, said stations “pulled out all the stops” to greet the cyclists.

Thirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between 32 different stationsThirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between 32 different stations
Thirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between 32 different stations

“They were staging scenes to make their stations look good in our photos,” he said.

“There were people in breathing apparatus, people up ladders, and flying drones about.

“It made the day really nice. When there is a group of guys waiting for you at a station at midnight, offering you Haribo, it’s a nice feeling because you know that they are with you in spirit.”

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Thirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between 32 different stationsThirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between 32 different stations
Thirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between 32 different stations

An avid cyclist who regularly takes part in ultra-style events, Mr Wainwright said the idea came about following discussions with the HFRS fitness manager.

He said: “We got talking, and said it would be great to get a group to do this. Straight away we knew we wanted to do it for mental health.

“We have both had close friends or family members who have needed the help of mental health charities in recent times, so it’s close to home.

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“I can’t claim to have suffered from ill mental health over the last year during lockdown, but I completely understand why people have been, and why it has been such a tough year for everyone.”

The challenge was a repeat of a 1996 attempt, undertaken by seven HFRS members who cycled between 31 fire stations in 24 hours.

The group consisted of firefighters, a director, control, support and retired staff.

“It just caught the imagination of our workforce,” Mr Wainwright said.

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