A Fire Fighter's Story first...

A few years ago, following treatment for a shoulder injury and then breast cancer, I found myself dealing with a ‘frozen’ shoulder. This is an extremely painful condition which left me with very limited mobility and unable to perform my role as a retained firefighter. I was at quite a low point when it was suggested by a physio that I should maybe focus on other things in life. I realised that I was not prepared to accept that I was finished as a firefighter.

My colleagues at Grantown Fire Station suggested contacting the Firefighter’s charity for help, as a number of them had already had treatment at the facility in Penrith. The support that I received was amazing. Within 3 days of following a treatment plan created for me, I was managing to do ‘freestyle’ in a swimming pool!

My trip there also helped enormously with my general well-being following my cancer. I met a variety of people as the charity is there to help firefighters, both serving and retired and also their family members. Donations are essential for them to provide their amazing service.

Rachel Sutherland

(Firefighter at Grantown on Spey)

My story...

This summer I am riding from Lands End to John o Groats and will be raising money for The Fire Fighter’s Charity.

I plan to visit some Fire Stpations on the way to share my experiences and show them my support for what they do.  By doing this I also hope to maintain my focus and motivation on why I am making this tough ride…The remarkable turnaround that my wife made as a result of her treatment at Penrith was life-changing and I would want others to have this chance as well.

My ride starts (Rail Strikes permitting!) on July the 9th and I will be following an on and off road route created by myself loosely based on the National Cycle Network and GB Duro routes as well as my own alternates.  On paper the ride of 1218 miles and 79891 feet of ascent should take 19 days but I do know from experience that this could take longer.

The bike I am riding is mostly repurposed from an unwanted frame that my local bike shop, here in Grantown on Spey gave me.  Most of the parts were already lying around my garage and my friend who has a cycle repair business helped put the whole thing together with a set of nice new wheels and a bright yellow coat of new paint.  Coincidentally this yellow frame along with my blue double bar tape reminds us of the struggles going on in Ukraine.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.