Congleton firefighters raise more than £1,000 by completing Olympus Mons challenge

A team of firefighters from Congleton who climbed the height of Olympus Mons have raised more than £1,000 for charity.

The 12 firefighters embarked on the endurance trek up and down Bosley Cloud with the aim to cover the same height of the highest mountain in the solar system, Olympus Mons on Tuesday 14 July.

Olympus Mons is a large shield volcano on Mars and is two and half times the height of the world’s largest mountain, Mount Everest.

The team managed to complete the challenge in just 10 hours and 23 minutes – beating their 12 hour target.

The initial fundraising target was £1,000 but the firefighters managed to raise £1,345.

All money raised will go to The Fire Fighters Charity, the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance the quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.

James Groves, Watch Manager at Congleton Fire Station said: “Each of us walked just under 23 miles each, with us all gaining an elevation of 1,925 metres.

“On each ascent, we climbed 68 concrete steps on the trail – these became increasingly difficult to climb after 20 ascents. We all totalled 2,380 steps just on that concrete staircase!

“It was a gruelling challenge but thanks to the support of the local community and donations from businesses we were able to keep going.

“We are all so grateful for the donations we have received and know that this will help the charity continue the remarkable support it provides for firefighters and retirees.”

The Fire Fighters Charity has helped to provide respite, recuperation and rehabilitation for sick and injured firefighters and their families for 75 years.

Stuart Plaskett, who is the charity’s co-ordinator for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service added: “A huge well done to the 12 firefighters who completed the challenge in just over 10 hours – an impressive feat!

“I would also say thank you to everyone who has donated and supported the firefighters with this challenge.

“The Fire Fighters Charity has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, they have lost £200,000 of funding. I hope that this money will go a small way in allowing them to continue to provide the outstanding service they give to serving and retired firefighters.”

There is still time to donate to the Congleton firefighter’s Mars Mountain challenge, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/congleton-fire-station

Pictured - Firefighters from Congleton at the top of Bosley Cloud