A team of firefighters has cycled 1,454 miles from Oldham’s Coliseum Theatre to Rome’s Colosseum in aid of us – and it took them just 12 days to complete the route.
The Blazing Saddles rode up to 140 miles a day through some of the most beautiful parts of Europe, with almost 60,000ft of climbing and weather ranging from searing heat to torrential rain, before arriving in Rome on 30 July.
Retired firefighter Chris Dean, one of those taking part in the ride, said after they crossed the finish line: “It truly was our toughest challenge to date. We knew we’d push ourselves to the limit but I don’t think any of us realised just how far!
“Riding into the heat, 1,000 miles in, was literally breathtaking. And climbing (for four plus hours in my case!) the Col Du Galibier was both a dream ride and an utter nightmare! Best thing I’ve ever done though.
“The fact we got on our bikes in Oldham and I’m now sat 1,500 miles away drinking coffee overlooking the Colosseum is mind-blowing and something I’m not sure we’ll ever top? That said. Here’s to 2026!!”
The group have had support from some top TV names who have recorded video messages for them, including This Morning presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.
The funds they’ve raised – which are already over £33,000 – will be split between us, SANDS, Back Up (Spinal Injuries), Parkinsons UK and Arts Emergency.
Indeed it’s not the team’s first fundraiser for us and one of their previous achievements included cycling 1,600 miles from Gibraltar Street, Oldham, to the Rock of Gibraltar in just 15 days. In the years they’ve been fundraising for charities – including ourselves – they’ve raised more than £100,000.
Retired Watch Manager, Phil Courtnell, said: “When we started this 10 years ago we thought cycling around Greater Manchester’s stations was a challenge! Since then we’ve covered over 3,500 miles through weather from freezing fingers in Slovenia to a tongue burning 46 degrees across the Sierra Nevada. We’ve climbed hundreds of thousands of feet, trained over thousands more miles, taken on parts of the Tour de France and this time we touch the route of the Giro d’Italia on one of the toughest programmes yet.
“The heart of all this is not only to challenge ourselves but to raise money and awareness for some of the charities dearest to our hearts. Every one of them is supported by us for a personal reason.”
Alex Byers, our Community Fundraiser, adds: “I’ve been amazed to see the dedication and determination from this fantastic team of cyclists over the last 12 days. I want to thank all of you for your tireless support over the years and with this latest challenge to Rome. The money you’ve raised will make a life-changing difference to members of our fire services community right across the UK.”
To support the team’s fundraiser, click here:
And they’re not the only team of cyclists from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to pull off an incredible fundraiser for us recently.
The ‘Glowing Embers’, a group of retired firefighters, cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats between 18 June to 2 July, raising more than £5,700 in aid of us – an incredible achievement.
To support their fundraiser, click here.
