Fire and rescue staff spent 21 hours cycling between 32 fire stations, raising thousands of pounds for a mental health charity.
Thirteen staff from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) cycled the 275 miles between all the different stations, riding through North Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, East Rising and North East Lincolnshire on June 19.
Firefighter Paul Wainwright, who planned the journey, told the PA news agency: “I’m so proud of everyone for getting around.”
And on to #Epworth! Can you spot Frankie Fire Dog? 🐶 Our stations are really pulling out all the stops to welcome their colleagues and friends â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/fl0v9GjGCi
— Humberside Fire & Rescue (@HumbersideFire) June 19, 2021
The 43-year-old, who lives in York and works in Scunthorpe, said stations “pulled out all the stops” to greet the cyclists.
“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.”
The group has now raised almost £5,000 for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.
Drone footage of our riders 🚴🏻ââï¸
— Humberside Fire & Rescue (@HumbersideFire) June 19, 2021
If you see them coming past, give them a wave! 👋🏻 pic.twitter.com/WVyX3DsFD2
An avid cyclist who regularly takes part in ultra-style events, Mr Wainright 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.
“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.
Theyâre off!
— Humberside Fire & Rescue (@HumbersideFire) June 19, 2021
Here they are in #Brough, still smiling! Come on riders 🥳🚴🏻ââï¸
Today 13 HFRS riders will cycle 275 miles to each #Humberside fire station in 24 hours!
All money raised will go to @MindHEY https://t.co/oAzNghZUMo
Follow their journey on here throughout the day 😎 pic.twitter.com/yeva2XkcY6
“It just caught the imagination of our workforce,” Mr Wainright said.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hfrsultracycle-2021