Norfolk fire-fighters walking 100 miles in 4 days for mental health
The group set off from the Carrow station at 8:30am, and they'll be heading through Acle and Aylsham- before looping back round
Some of Norfolk's fire-fighters are currently walking 100 miles in 4 days to raise money to support local emergency service workers and the wider community with their mental health.
The group set off from the Carrow station at 8:30am, and they'll be heading through Acle and Aylsham- before looping back round and finishing where they started on October 2nd.
They will be doing all of this while in full PPE including Breathing Apparatus sets, which weigh around 22kg, alone.
Our firefighters are raising money for MIND and their 'Blue Light Programme' which is tailored to give further help to emergency services workers.
Donations can be made to their 'Just Giving' page. You can find it by searching 'Norfolk Firefighters'.
"The helmet is the worst bit- I know some others feel the same"
Vicky Spall is one of those braving the walk.
She says wearing all this while walking presents it's own challenges:
"As good as it is keeping the heat out, it doesn't let a lot of heat leave our body. So, we are going to be getting warm. For me personally, the helmet is the worst bit- I know some others feel the same. That could be getting thrown in a bush at some point along the 100 miles. It's all heavy, round your neck and on your shoulders, but once you get so far- it just feels like it's part of you".
"We've all between us, done as much as we can"
Ms Spall told us how she's feeling ahead of this:
"The first day will probably be fine. We will have a laugh, we'll get through it and get to the end. We have got some fish and chips waiting for us at Aylsham, by the sounds of it, as well.The second day we'll get up and do it all over again, and probably by the fourth day we'll all be fed up of each other. But we'll try and keep the spirits up and get there".
"I would like to say that I've done enough training, but I think in reality with free time and working a full time job and everything, trying to get out for 8 hours a day can be quite hard. So we've all between us, done as much as we can we're hoping that we are prepared as possible. But once we are all together and you've got that team mentality behind you- I think we'll get through it".
"That funding allows staff to be present to help people"
She went on to tell us why they decided to raise money for MIND:
"I'm sure that most people will experience it mental health issues at some in their life, be that directly or in-directly. That funding allows staff to be present to help people, and it allows for more support, in terms of where you get can get it and quicker support. If you can ring up and have somebody to talk to at a moment of crisis that can do good for people"