Our amazing supporters have pulled out all the stops over the last few weeks to raise funds for us and support our vital work – so a huge thank you to all those who have organised or taken part in events and challenges.
In a moving tribute, colleagues from across West Midlands FRS joined with community, friends and family to pay tribute to Crew Commander Iain Hughes, who tragically went missing this month while swimming the English Channel in aid of us and two other charities.
To honour his wish to support us, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Midlands Air Ambulance, members of the fire services community planned a series of fundraisers – including Car Washes – across the county, raising thousands and shooting his fundraising total past £55,000. Here are a few photos from those:
Across the West Midlands we have been working across a number of stations to raise money towards CC Iain Hughes chosen charities.
If you have come along thank you.🙏🏼More car washes tomorrow so please do come along. 🤞🏼🚒🧽 https://t.co/vWgwRfdY4x pic.twitter.com/loELmuHZup
— Ella Warden (she/her) (@harris6751) June 24, 2023
Incredible effort today from @WMFSSolihull @WMFSHayMills @WMFSBillesley crews today💦🫧
On behalf of Crew Commander Iain Hughes, we’re raising funds for his chosen charities @TheBHF @firefighters999 @MAA_Charity
Follow the link to donate: https://t.co/ZtiR324aFB @WestMidsFire pic.twitter.com/xRQbEg324D
— Sheldon Fire Station (@WMFSSheldon) June 24, 2023
Supporting @WMFSFallingsP car wash today to help fundraise for Iain Hughes chosen charities. Come and get your car wash at Fallings Park Fire Station 🚗🚗🚗@WestMidsFire @firefighters999 @MAA_Charity @TheBHF pic.twitter.com/NbGYDlOomi
— Wolverhampton Fire Station (@WMFSWolvesfire) June 25, 2023
Took the car to @WMFSWestBrom car wash who are helping to raise money towards 3 amazing charities on behalf on Iain Hughes 👏🏻💕 https://t.co/jvVcU7E8vY pic.twitter.com/w1FhKkxTsf
— Kelly Harding (@KellyHarding01) June 24, 2023
Today Dudley Green watch attended a charity car wash at @WMFSBrierleyH with @WMFSStourbridge. We are raising funds on behalf of Crew Commander Iain Hughes and his chosen charities!
Please share and find a car wash near you or donate here: https://t.co/UkPdlXq9oD pic.twitter.com/UzB1gu3iq9
— Dudley Fire Station (@WMFSDudley) June 24, 2023
What an amazing day!
We can't thank you enough for those that came and donated, raising money for the The Fire Fighters Charity British Heart Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity on behalf of Ccdr Iain Hughes.We have raised an amazing total of £1679.54
Thank you ❤️— Solihull Fire Station (@WMFSSolihull) June 24, 2023
Thanks to the team @WMFSLadywood for sprucing up my car and raising funds, along with other stations, to support their missing Wednesbury colleague, Iain Hughes who’s disappeared during a charity Channel swim. I’ll have more on all today’s news for the Midlands @ITVCentral 6.45pm pic.twitter.com/uX2DQwoSHI
— Wesley Smith (@wesleysmithtv) June 25, 2023
We would like to Thank everyone who as turned up to get their car washed today and all the volunteers that have helped us today! We have managed to raise a staggering amount of £2213.29 for Iain Hughes 3 chosen charities! @wtonfirecadets @WMFSWolvesfire @WMFSBilston @WestMidsFire pic.twitter.com/kgezJchnGW
— Fallings Park Fire Station (@WMFSFallingsP) June 25, 2023
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our charity car washes at the weekend.
Donations to three causes being supported by Crew Manager Iain Hughes now exceed £53,000.
We’re proud to confirm that proceeds from the car washes will add at least £20,000 to the current total.
— West Midlands Fire Service (@WestMidsFire) June 26, 2023
You can support the fundraiser here.
We also saw an incredible team effort from members of the Mobilising Officers Group, many of whom work in Control Rooms while some are also firefighters, who completed the Three Peaks in aid of us.
While she says it was immensely challenging, Vicki Allen – who took park – says they were all incredibly proud of their efforts, as are we! You can donate to their team fundraiser here.
Still can't believe that I completed the 3 Peaks 😁 it was TOUGH 🥵
I'm raising money for @firefighters999 🚒🚒🚒 my fundraising page is still open & every penny counts 😊 https://t.co/4PBVWt9v4H#3peakschallenge #firecontrol #NWFC @NW_Fire_Control @firefighters999 @GlobalAdv pic.twitter.com/TKz1Je4fCw
— Vicki Allen (@VickiA999) June 27, 2023
And Fire Cadets right across the UK were out in force to complete 999 fundraising challenges in aid of us, to mark our 80th anniversary. Keep an eye on our website in the coming weeks for a round-up of some of their highlights.
Below are just a few more of the highlights, as well as quotes from our donors…
And don’t forget, you can share your amazing fundraising achievements, encourage others and share ideas on My Fire Fighters Charity. We have a series of dedicated groups you can join. Just register now and head to the ‘Groups’ tab at the top of the My Fire Fighters Charity homepage.
REGISTER FOR MY FIRE FIGHTERS CHARITY
Here’s how newlywed Sophie raised money for us on a particularly epic walk, just days after tying the knot!
DONT FORGET!
If you see someone walking in Firekit on Wednesday that will be Me! So give me a beep 🚗
I am walking from @MorecambeFire to @bls_fire to @lancaster_fire and back to @MorecambeFire!
I am doing this for @firefighters999 and hope to try and raise as much as I… pic.twitter.com/ReHNu4Yj1M
— FreshDriversUK cic (@FreshDriversUK) June 26, 2023
And here’s the amazing Three Peaks challenge by Robert Cowie – whose story you can read here – who took part in full firefighting kit:
They’ve done it! Mike and Kev Sutcliffe have completed their gruelling #KeepClimbing72 challenge in an amazing 8h52m, for @firefighters999 and The Grenfell Foundation. @NorthYorksFire and @WYFRS are extremely proud of their achievement! pic.twitter.com/ot7M2iisop
— Jonathan Dyson (@NYFRS_JD) June 17, 2023
A massive well done to our trainee Firefighters who raised a total of £5,020 at their charity car wash in aid of @firefighters999.
Thank you to everyone who donated on the day and contributed to the final total. pic.twitter.com/BQKdPDtak8— Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) June 20, 2023
“I donated for all the support I have and continue to receive.”
Donor
Team Northamptonshire 999 Challenge is underway 9 people 9 station 9 miles carrying 80m of hose @UKFireCadets @firefighters999 @ESCadets pic.twitter.com/W2eJPcaavp
— 🚒🔥Michelle Bates (@michelle16bates) June 2, 2023
WC Marshall of ANNAN received a donation of £215 on behalf of The Fire Fighters Charity from Masonic Lodge – St Andrews 1443 Annan.
The Charity regularly supports our staff, many of whom have attended the Penrith rehabilitation centre.
Thank you very much! 🚒@firefighters999 pic.twitter.com/4WVhLJqgXj
— SFRS Dumfries & Galloway (@scotfire_DG) June 1, 2023
“I donated as a thank you to Camberley firefighters for their service. Thank you.”
Donor
Current total for our charity car wash today stands at £1742.60!! 🔥💰
Thank you to everyone who came along today, we had a constant flow of cars from 10am through until we closed, and responded to fire calls all day too! 🚗💦 pic.twitter.com/esfezlD6IR
— East Grinstead Fire (@EGFireRescue) June 3, 2023
Congratulations to Seven Sisters Fire Cadets on completing their climb. Combined total of 80 climbs for the @firefighters999. Big thank you to our Chief Fire Officer @rog_thomas for calling in and supporting the cadets today. @mawwfire@UKFireCadets pic.twitter.com/flkctCGTn6
— Service Youth Team (@ServiceYouthTe1) June 4, 2023
Three months ago we didn’t know one another. You wouldn’t believe what we have all achieved since🙌🏼🚒 @UKFireCadets @NFCC_FireChiefs Leaders. Snowdon 2023! #wedidit pic.twitter.com/hrR6URmpBC
— Mel x (@frswithmel) June 4, 2023
“I donated because firefighters deserve it, day and night, 24/7 all year round. All honour to them.”
Donor
A huge thank you to everyone that came to the station today to get their car washed
A steady stream of vehicles from start to finish
In total we raised £320 for the firefighters charity
Thank you everyone for their hard work pic.twitter.com/jLsJJxrgoN
— 🔥🔥🚒James lewis🚒🔥🔥 (@lewisjames999) June 3, 2023
Happy to support @firefighters999 with clothing from @OrstedUK Great Grimsby 10k. @HumbersideFire @Davidpaulscott @CarePlusGroup @YoungsSeafood @NAViGOCARE @NELCouncil pic.twitter.com/iW8yi7k4P4
— Tape2Tape Events (@Tape2TapeEvents) June 6, 2023
A massive thanks to @Aico_Limited for supporting us… especially Brad and the team working hard at our centre in Devon! @firefighters999 https://t.co/tv1hwVkf3p
— Louise Furneaux ( FFC) (@louise_ffc_furn) June 7, 2023
“I donated after a recuperation stay at Penrith.”
Donor
We kept up our 100 per cent record in the Copa Del Bradley Cup with a 2-0 win over @WMerciaPolice at Redditch Borough FC.
The football match was also a charity fundraiser for @firefighters999, @TheBHF & @FlintHouseRehab
For more details 👉 https://t.co/uzZTTsilXq pic.twitter.com/pcCLeVT9xk
— Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (@HWFire) June 8, 2023
A huge well done to Caz Firkins @StaffsFire selling plants for the @firefighters999. This is part of grow for well-being. We had some sustainable QR codes (paperless leaflets) on how growing your own helps physical and mental health. pic.twitter.com/39groSf3H5
— Rebecca Lewis (@rebeccahjd) June 8, 2023
Great day out with Southsea Reds, climbing Scafell Pike, Helvellyn & Skiddaw, for a combined elevation of 9337ft and over 29km in distance.
We have also been able to raise over £1100 including Gift Aid for @firefighters999✅
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! pic.twitter.com/1qsI6iHH9Z
— Ben Taylor (@ben_tayylor) June 8, 2023
“I donated to say thank you for helping me in a time of need.”
Donor
Big thank you to everyone who turned out on Saturday to support the Charity Car Wash at Kirkdale 💦🧽🚗 We’ve raised in total £551.55 towards @firefighters999 🔥 it wouldn’t have been possible without the help from a number of people ☀️😎 pic.twitter.com/6tivbFKZW8
— Tom Bell (@TomWB03) June 12, 2023
#80wainwrightpeaksin18weeks for @firefighters999 Walk 5 – A Mell Fell Medley
Bobby Ready ✅
Map Ready ✅https://t.co/zKNII2zM8X pic.twitter.com/rY1ITq2TAB— Mal Dewhurst (@MalDewhurst999) June 14, 2023
We are very proud of our team at Southampton Airport fundraising for @firefighters999 in a game organised by @BusinessFives 😊
We have also entered ourselves into a fire service seven aside on the 9th July to raise more money for this very worthwhile charity! Wish us luck 🥅 pic.twitter.com/TuOGzPT21s
— Southampton Airport ✈️ (@SOU_Airport) June 15, 2023
“I donated as a thank you for your help!”
Donor
We are here with @Southsea24 @HantsIOW_fire at our friends @HovertravelLtd HOVERFEST! Raising money and loading bags! Thank you 🙏 from the crazy bunch @firefighters999 🐍 🦑 pic.twitter.com/DBkMUSPi8y
— Louise Furneaux ( FFC) (@louise_ffc_furn) June 15, 2023
Huge Congratulations to Matt & Jim our @WAT999sy walk Leaders in South Yorkshire for being presented with a certificate from their Cheif Fire Officer Chris Kirby, for all their work with @WalkandTalk999 thanks for all you are doing & great acknowledgement from your service pic.twitter.com/7oDGBj2AxD
— Walk&Talk999 (@WalkandTalk999) June 16, 2023
A big thank you to everyone who turned out to our car wash today! We’ve raised a brilliant total of £659.85 for the firefighters charity! @firefighters999 pic.twitter.com/5FideefV10
— Tadcaster Fire Station (@NYFRS_Tad) June 17, 2023
“This is a donation following a Home Safety visit.”
Donor
Fantastic turnout in #Beckenham for our open morning & @firefighters999 cake sale. Great engagement with all that live in our community near & far. Thanks for all those that came & donated & our @LFBControlRoom. @LondonFire @LBofBromley @elliereeves @Bob4Beckenham @DCSmith978 pic.twitter.com/moHIto1Je5
— LFB Bromley (@BromleyLFB) June 17, 2023
WC Aggie Dennis – at Crammond, Edinburgh for the sunrise.
Happy Father's Day! 🚒@firefighters999 https://t.co/DdVhOBcUVj pic.twitter.com/jrAH7psZjZ
— SFRS Dumfries & Galloway (@scotfire_DG) June 18, 2023
Station Open Day
A massive thank you to our community for supporting our Open Day as part of the Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival. We hope you had a great time and enjoyed all the attractions and thank you for the donations to the Firefighters Charity. pic.twitter.com/V591zyPwfY
— Middlewich Fire Station (@MiddlewichFS) June 17, 2023
“I donated because my five year old daughter loves Fireman Sam and wanted to help firefighters!”
Donor
🚗🧽 Crews from Barry Station held a charity car wash alongside @Morrisons Barry, raising £208 for @firefighters999 and @tyhafan.
A big thank you from the Station to everyone who showed their support 👏 pic.twitter.com/V7jKDAITCe
— South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (@SWFireandRescue) June 22, 2023
We were honoured to welcome Suzy / @eddieizzard to Bexhill Fire Station this week!
Supporting our joint campaign with @bexhillmuseum to restore an 1895 horse-drawn, steam powered Merryweather fire engine ❤️🚒
For more information and to donate visit: https://t.co/Lge4i0koxh pic.twitter.com/L7nrO7xylT— East Sussex FRS (@EastSussexFRS) June 21, 2023
Myself and my colleague Paul England are currently one day away from completing our #coast2coast challenge for @firefighters999 and @DementiaUK. Many of you have been really kind but we’re looking for a final push of sponsor to make all the pain and aches worth it. Please share. pic.twitter.com/XKgBS51Abm
— Andy Flynn (@AndyFlynn3698) June 23, 2023
After dropping off some clothes at Waltham I dropped in on Immingham crews undertaking a car wash for @firefighters999 great engagement with the community with Immingham residents as generous as ever 👏👍👌@HumbersideFire pic.twitter.com/ZutXKWvtO3
— Richard Gibson (@Gibbo341) June 24, 2023
Thanks to all that supported our @firefighters999 car wash today at Renfrew. A total of £1349.47 raised. Great to have our colleagues from @Falck_FFS_UK from @GLA_Airport helping out and thanks to @Dominos_UK for looking after us as always. And @lyndsay_ffc for all your support pic.twitter.com/8DbThdAqGz
— @scotfire_erri (@ERRIHQ) June 24, 2023
Thank you to everyone that visited Skelmersdale Fire Station yesterday for our Charity Car Wash. We loved meeting everyone & hope you all enjoyed!
Special thank you to @ImperialOrder66 for helping us raise £1329 for the Firefighter's Charity!@firefighters999 @LancashireFRS pic.twitter.com/hCriwFBG6G
— Skelmersdale Fire (@skemfire) June 25, 2023
Fabulous day yesterday at the charity football tournament. Thank you to everyone who has supported this event. We raised £2209 for @firefighters999 and £736 for @KidneyWales I hope the legs aren’t to sore today⚽️⚽️@mawwfire @FscCraig pic.twitter.com/trD0ZPnpjV
— Brecon Fire Station (@BreconFire) June 25, 2023
We completed the @sdnpa in one night last night😊 thanks for all the well wishs and donations. Remember there's still time to donate https://t.co/KPTyiqBGte… pic.twitter.com/A7M9jqRTHW
— James Cox (@ccjcox) June 24, 2023
Our Eastleigh cadets smashed their hose running challenge last night! it’s not too late to donate with all proceeds going to the Fire Fighters Charity! 🚒 @HantsIOW_fire #firecadets @firefighters999 pic.twitter.com/DWHzHWKPrN
— @HIWFRS_FireCadets (@HIWFRSFireCadet) June 27, 2023
Just arrived in Switzerland from uk. 585 miles in the bag. Just had to drop while local station were drilling. @firefighters999 @ride2cycling @StaffsFire @TheSecretFF999 raising money for firefighters charity. 4 more days and 500 miles to go pic.twitter.com/7lNdeUZMVu
— staffs callas (@callo185) June 27, 2023
1/4 – We are delighted to confirm that our 6 A-Side Charity Cricket Tournament raised £𝟏,𝟔𝟒𝟕.𝟓𝟖 for @firefighters999! pic.twitter.com/FEY0SGx74X
— Wadebridge Community Fire Station (@WadebridgeCFRS) June 28, 2023
And they’re off!
🚵 🚵♀️ 🚵♂️
With a send off from the crew at @WinchesterStn30 WM Jamie Cox and WM Duncan Thomson have begun their overnight cycle along the South Downs Way in aid of @firefighters999
Find out more and support 👇https://t.co/pIiaxOKxA2 pic.twitter.com/W7OJv6xd7R
— West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (@WestSussexFire) June 23, 2023
Good luck to our Consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr Rachel Newbould who takes on the Welsh 3000s Challenge today in aid of The Firefighters Charity! @NorthWalesFire @firefighters999
To support Rachel’s fundraiser, click here: https://t.co/3WsoVbB2Og pic.twitter.com/Z8Hh8imFS4
— Betsi Cadwaladr (@BetsiCadwaladr) June 29, 2023