More than 30 friends and neighbours of a South Yorkshire family who were saved by firefighters following a house fire are coming together this August to cycle 68 miles, in aid of us.
Teaching Assistant Sarah Sparks was out on 23 September last year when a fire started in her home in Great Houghton, near Barnsley. Her husband, Richard, was asleep on their sofa at the time, while her two sons, Ben, 24, and Adam, 20, as well as Ben’s girlfriend, were all asleep upstairs.
“A neighbour managed to call 999 and get my husband and my son’s girlfriend out,” says Sarah. “They then tried to get Ben and Adam out, but the smoke was too bad. The firefighters got there really quickly, luckily, and were able to get them out shortly after. They saved both their lives, there’s no doubt about it.
“All of them went to hospital, my husband stayed overnight due to smoke inhalation and my two sons went to intensive care. They were both conscious and were kept in for monitoring for two nights, but were luckily okay.
“We’re just so thankful to the fire service for what they did for us, and our amazing neighbours.
Sarah and her husband wanted to plan something as a way of saying thank you for the support they received, so approached their friend and neighbour, Tracey Yates, who plans a fundraising cycle ride every year for different charities.
Tracey says: “It’s always such a big day where the whole community comes together, there’s always hundreds of people that gather in support, so we’re delighted to be planning another this year – this time in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.”
More than 30 cyclists will take part this year, none of whom have a connection to the fire service but all of whom live in the local community – including some who have never been on a bike before.
The group will cycle from Cleethorpes to the Sandhill Tavern in Great Houghton – around 68 miles – on 25 August.
Tracey adds: “The last four years we’ve done the fundraiser in memory of someone local, but the story about Sarah and her family really struck us this time. It could have been so much worse, it’s so incredible that they’re all okay. It gives us great pleasure this year to celebrate the fact that we are not doing it in anyone’s honour – and that’s because of the amazing job that firefighters do.
“In 10 years, we’ve raised over £50,000 for charities, so we hope to raise as much as possible this year too.”
Every cyclist aims to get £50 or more in sponsorship, while Tracey and her team of organisers also plan a fun day on the day itself, with stalls, a BBQ, a raffle, and more.
To support the fundraiser, click here.
