Two firefighters are taking on an extraordinary challenge this month to raise funds for two vital organisations close to their hearts.
North Yorkshire firefighter, Jay Taylor, and Tyne and Wear firefighter, Robyn Foster, have launched the FireCallRun, a 420 mile journey that will take place over two weeks.
The run began last Sunday 18 May and will see them visit every fire station across North Yorkshire.
Their goal is to fundraise for The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides life-changing rehabilitation and mental health support for firefighters and their families, and VTRN RESET, a veteran-led initiative that supports former service members as they transition to civilian life.
Their fundraising page is already off to an impressive start, with almost £3000 of their £10,000 reached.
The run started at Richmond Fire Station, where Jay works, and they headed towards Northallerton and Stokesley. Some key stops on their fortnight-long challenge include Scarborough, Whitby, York, Harrogate, Skipton, Settle and Hawes.
Jay had been planning the run for some time, but couldn’t find anyone to accompany him until Robyn stepped up to the task. Despite a few setbacks during training, together they’re committed to tackling the challenge.
On their fundraising page, the pair wrote, “While it will bring its challenges we are determined to overcome them. We plan to complete this event, whether running, walking, or even crawling, though we’d prefer to avoid that!”
As England’s largest county, North Yorkshire presents a tough route. Jay and Robyn have their work cut out, and plan to run an average of 30 miles a day to complete the challenge on time.
Each day will conclude at a fire station, where they’ll rest overnight before facing the next leg of the demanding route.
Since their run began, the duo have enjoyed huge support along the way from schools and members of the public, with fellow firefighters joining them for stretches of the run.
One supporter was Jonathan Dyson, Chief Fire Officer of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, who ran 12 miles with Jay and Robyn from Lythe to Robin Hood’s Bay.
Jonathan said, “We are immensely proud of Jay, a dedicated firefighter from Richmond, and our former employee Robyn, for undertaking this monumental challenge.
“Running 420 miles to every fire station in North Yorkshire is a testament to their commitment to serving others, both in the fire service and beyond.
“Their determination will undoubtedly inspire many and make a lasting impact on two vital causes. We’ll be cheering them on every step of the way!”
The causes are deeply personal for Jay. “The Fire Fighters Charity provides vital support to colleagues and friends facing physical and mental health challenges, even helping one friend create precious family memories during a terminal illness,” he shared.
As a veteran of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, Jay is also passionate about supporting VTRN RESET, “I’ve seen the struggles many face when leaving the military. VTRN RESET is doing incredible work to address this, and I’m proud to support their efforts.”
You can follow Jay and Robyn’s journey on their live tracking page, and if you wish to support their fundraising efforts, click here.
Good luck guys!
