We love a fundraiser with a difference, and on-call firefighter Pip Waite certainly achieved that with her recent challenge.
The Derbyshire on-call firefighter completed an ultra-marathon – 50km – on a treadmill in full fire kit, all while watching non-stop episodes of Fireman Sam.
Pip works as Marketing Manager at Fight Station Kickboxing in Church Gresley in her day job, alongside her on-call role. Her fiance, Adam Stretton, is head coach at the gym, as well as being a wholetime firefighter at East Midlands Airport.
The pair chose us as their charity to support through the gym this year after Adam was in a head-on collision in 2022 which left him with two fractures to his back, and a long recovery.
We were able to support him on our rehabilitation programme at Jubilee House in the months that followed.
Pip says: “Adam went to Jubilee House in Cumbria and had a week of physio which was amazing. He came back pretty much a new man – he said it was massively useful.
“It was good for me too because he regained some independence. He’s kept up with it afterwards and the difference it made is huge.”
Pip’s challenge, alongside other fundraisers throughout the year, therefore meant a lot to both of them – as a way of saying thank you for the support.
“I literally started running last year,” says Pip. “The first proper run I did was a Half Marathon and I just wanted something that would catch people’s eye this time.
“An ultra-marathon is so big, then doing it in fire kit while watching Fireman Sam meant It would be more challenging and catch people’s attention. The episodes were a great distraction, but I’ve got the theme tune stuck in my head now!”
Pip completed the challenge in 5 hours 28, while supporters were treated to a children’s sports day.
They’ve already raised more than £1,200. To support the fundraiser, click here.
