Ben Nevis, by Kibworth Fire Fighters
At 6:45am on Saturday 2 September and following the success of our previous charity climb up Mount Snowdon in 2021, firefighters from Kibworth station took on the even bigger challenge of climbing the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis.
On a very hot day!
Not only was the mountain a challenge but the fact we were once again undertaking this in full firefighting PPE, added an extra level of difficulty to the crew. The weather on the day was hot which made things a lot more difficult in our assent to the top of the mountain.
The PPE firefighters wear is heavy, hot and designed to protect us from fire and burns which we may encounter at incidents.
Not ideal when trying to climb Ben Nevis, particularly when our fire kit unfortunately does not let body heat out!
With Spectacular views
After a difficult climb with varying weather conditions throughout, the team eventually made it to the summit taking in the spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands and the vast lochs and estuaries that surrounded Ben Nevis.
Following a well-earned break at the summit, the team then made the long trip down to the bottom, spurred on by the support and well wishes of other climbers on the day.
Fort William crew congratulations
At the bottom, crews were met by firefighters from Fort William Fire Station who came to congratulate us on completing our challenge and providing much needed refreshments to the crew.
This event, which has followed the successes of the previous climb up Mount Snowdon, has been organised and planned by firefighter Jason Cunningham, who was the main driving force for the challenge.
Once again, with the aim of supporting charities close to the station in mind, those being The Firefighters Charity and The Well in Kibworth.
Donations are still rising
The aim was to raise £1,345 for these two brilliant charities with every £1 signifying every metre climbed to the top of the Scottish Mountain. Currently this figure sits at £2,233 (at time of writing) and still rising with each charity receiving half of the final total amount raised.
The Firefighters Charity is a cause that works to support firefighters and their families mentally, physically and socially if they need help. They support current serving firefighters and continue to do so long into retirement.
Working with The Well
The Well in Kibworth is a registered charity, which operates a food bank, café and charity shop whilst providing community support to the people of Kibworth and its surrounding villages. The Well Supports Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s aim of creating “Safer People Safer places”.
Since both The Well and Kibworth Fire Station began working together, we have worked closely in supporting and making sure that those who are vulnerable within the local community are supported and as safe as they can be.
This has been further demonstrated with the delivery of food parcels last Christmas by staff from Kibworth Station, something that we will again be undertaking to support The Well this year.
Gratitude and thanks to many
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all who have donated and all the local business who helped to support and promote our climb up Ben Nevis. Particularly The Railway Kibworth who held a bingo night in support of our climb helping to raise £270!
Any Donations to these two great charities are greatly appreciated, you can donate via the following link: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/firefighter-charity-walk-mount-ben-nevis or by visiting Kibworth Fire and Rescue Station’s social media pages Facebook: LFRS Kibworth.
Bradley Smith Firefighter Kibworth On-Call
Bereavement Support in the Community
