Firefighters' lift raises a top sum for charity

The fundraisers marched 15 miles from Horndean fire station to Southsea’s while wearing full fire gear and lugging a 70kg klepper kayak.

And yesterday the organiser revealed the cash they raised from the feat – £2,190.30 to be exact.

It was all part of the service’s Cockleshell Challenge which will see a band of firefighters trekking 110 miles through France in memory Royal Marines who died in a daring raid on the German-held port of Bordeaux in the Second World War.

Craig Sadler, watch manager at Cosham fire station was behind the latest trek.

He said that Portsmouth’s branch of Barclays bank will be matching the money they raised bring the grand total up to £4,380.60.

He said: ‘The support from family, friends and the public has been absolutely amazing.

‘It was non-stop when from when we set off to when we finished. People were cheering us and beeping their car horns.

‘We were all just so humbled by the support.’

The trek saw the small team of firemen visiting fire stations along the route.

They were also marched through the former Royal Marines’ barracks in Eastney before stopping at the Cockleshell Heroes’ memorial to pay their respects.

Their next event begins on July 1. To donate, see uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/CockleshellHeroes5