Firefighters and supporters will cycle more than 760km across Dorset and Wiltshire next week as part of a major fundraising challenge taking in all 50 fire stations operated by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The Grand Fire Ride will raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity and Bristol Children’s Hospital through The Grand Appeal, with a team of cyclists tackling the full five-day route and others joining for individual days and sections.
The challenge begins in Lyme Regis on Tuesday, 22 September, before heading through Dorset, Wiltshire and into Bristol, where it will finish at Bristol Children’s Hospital on Saturday, 26 September.
For Swindon, the ride will arrive on Friday, 25 September, as the cyclists travel through Amesbury, Ludgershall, Pewsey, Marlborough, Ramsbury, Stratton and Cricklade before reaching Malmesbury and Swindon.
The final day will then see riders visit Westlea and Royal Wootton Bassett before continuing through Chippenham, Corsham, Calne, Devizes, Melksham, Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon, eventually reaching Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Firefighter Dan Cabell, one of the main organisers, said the idea for the event came from the experience of a family friend whose son is receiving treatment for brain cancer at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
“The challenge was originally inspired by the son of a family friend, who is currently undergoing treatment for brain cancer at Bristol Children’s Hospital,” he said.
“However, we know people across DWFRS have benefited from both the Grand Appeal and Fire Fighters Charity, so we want to make the event as successful as possible.”
The fundraising campaign has already included events including a Bongo Bingo night at the Thomas Tripp in Christchurch and a flash sale organised by Avant Garden Tattoo in Wimborne.
Organisers have also thanked sponsors who have provided money and supplies, while donated items are being sold through an online silent auction.
Dan said at least six riders are expected to complete the entire challenge, with others joining for shorter sections.
“We have at least half a dozen riders taking on the full challenge, and others joining us for single days or even just legs in their local area,” he said.
“It’s the first time we’ve attempted this challenge and I’m hoping it can become an annual event.”
People can support the fundraising effort through the Grand Fire Ride’s online giving page, while updates on rider progress will be shared through the event’s social media channels and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The online auction is also open to bids, with donated items available to support the two charities.
Grand Fire Ride route
- Tuesday, 22 September: Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Bridport, Beaminster, Maiden Newton, Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bere Regis, Wareham and Swanage.
- Wednesday, 23 September: Poole, Redhill Park, Westbourne, Springbourne, Christchurch, Ferndown, Verwood, Cranborne, Wimborne, Blandford, Sturminster Newton and Sherborne.
- Thursday, 24 September: Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Mere, Westbury, Warminster, Tisbury, Wilton and Salisbury.
- Friday, 25 September: Amesbury, Ludgershall, Pewsey, Marlborough, Ramsbury, Stratton, Cricklade, Malmesbury and Swindon.
- Saturday, 26 September: Westlea, Royal Wootton Bassett, Chippenham, Corsham, Calne, Devizes, Melksham, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Hicks Gate and Bristol Children’s Hospital.
