Sometimes some of the most heart-warming work by firefighters happens behind closed doors – from working in their communities, to comforting distressed families during difficult times.
And now one Welsh mum wants to thank her local fire crew in Colwyn Bay for their huge support for her family – and particularly her three-year-old son – following a house fire.
Rachel Newbould, who is a doctor and has no direct connection to the fire service, has chosen to take on the Welsh 3000s Challenge on 29-30 June in aid of us.
The challenge will see her climb Wales’ 15 highest peaks within 24 hours– an impressive 3,700m of climbing.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but because I have a three-year-old, I haven’t been out in the mountains as much as I’d like,” says Rachel, 38. “I’ve recently got back into walking with a friend and have been thinking about it for the last few months again.
“On 4 May we had a house fire. Luckily it wasn’t too dramatic and we’re just about sorted again now with heating and a cooker back in the house.
“It was a fault related to the oil-fired Rayburn that caught fire. Luckily it remained fairly contained, but the Rayburn did the water, the cooking, the heating, everything.
“My partner, my son and my mum were in at the time… I was out with friends, which hardly ever happens with a busy family life! I had loads of missed calls and I had visions of all sorts, but luckily the fire crews came quickly.
“We were so grateful that everything was fine and the whole crew was so amazing with my son, Jack – he had the best night ever! We worried he’d be traumatised because of the smoke and everything, but they distracted him and entertained him and he hasn’t been at all.”
She adds: “I ran into one of the firefighters a few weeks later and asked how I could give something back to them, and that’s when I heard about the support The Fire Fighters Charity offers. I knew that was the best place to fundraise for.
“I hadn’t heard of the Charity before but I think it’s important that the public know about it – it’s there helping the people that help us on a daily basis.”
To support Rachel’s fundraiser, click here.
