Spen Valley Fire Station to form finish line of West Yorkshire firefighters’ cycle challenge
Spen Valley Fire Station will be the final stop for two West Yorkshire firefighters conducting a huge charity cycle challenge.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) crew manager Tom Else and firefighter Ben Moody are raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity by cycling to every fire station in West Yorkshire within 24 hours on Friday, September 11.
The challenge will see the pair complete six stages of between 40 and 50 miles, starting at Morley and finishing at Spen Valley Fire Station.
The challenge also marks 25 years since the 9/11 tragedy, in which 343 firefighters died.
Tom said: “There's two reasons behind me planning this challenge.
“Firstly to mark 9/11 – personally I remember exactly what I was doing that day, you get people like Ben who weren’t even born then, but 343 firefighters died at one job.
“I don’t think that should be easily forgotten.
"Secondly, we're really keen to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity.
“In 2024 I fractured my spine and they helped me massively.
“I always respected the work they did but after the rehab and support they gave me I can't put into words how important it is – they fix broken firefighters.
“I wouldn't say I'm looking forward to the challenge. I'm looking forward to finishing it!
“It is going to be really hard, but most of the battle is in your head, and I'm hoping the support from colleagues across the service will really help too.”
Ben said the thought of raising money for the charity will motivate them to complete the challenge.
He added: “I’ve fallen back on some of my old cycling training – I've never done this kind of mileage though so this will be a touch into the unknown.
“With the thought of raising charity money I’m sure we will do it.
“9/11 happened when I was a baby so I have no recollection but I still wanted to honour their sacrifice.
"This ride is a fitting tribute to the people who died, as the Fire Fighters Charity do so much looking after firefighters.
“They look after our colleagues, our families and are there to support us so it’s our right to go about supporting them.”
You can donate or find out more about the fundraiser at: https://tinyurl.com/5hbyy2r6