The Isle of Wight community turned out in force last weekend as the Wight Brainy Bunch hosted its first Fire Engine Pull at Newport Quay last week, bringing together local businesses, community groups, emergency services and supporters for a day of fundraising, live entertainment and friendly competition.
Twenty teams took on the challenge of pulling an 18-tonne fire appliance 50 metres along Newport Quay, with IOW RFC claiming the title in an impressive winning time of 24.76 seconds. Close behind were Blues & Whites in second place and Openreach in third, with every team giving their all in support of local brain tumour patients and their families.
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed live music from Steve Long, the Isle of Wight Highland Pipes & Drums, Paramour IOW, Corinne Atkins Band, X-Directory, Dune Buggy, The Geckos and Mist Acoustics, alongside food vendors, local stalls and family entertainment, creating a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish.
The event raised in excess of £5,000 and once again highlighted the incredible community spirit of the Isle of Wight, with hundreds of people attending to cheer on the teams and support the charity’s work.
Kathryn Grimes from the Wight Brainy Bunch said:
“We are overwhelmed by the support shown on Saturday. Every team gave absolutely everything, and the crowds created an incredible atmosphere throughout the day. Seeing our community come together to support local people living with brain tumours is exactly what the Wight Brainy Bunch is all about.
“We would like to thank every team, volunteer, performer, stallholder, sponsor and everyone who came along to support us. Events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without such an amazing community behind us.”
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The charity also thanked the organisers, volunteers and supporters who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the day ran smoothly, as well as everyone who donated to help fund the Wight Brainy Bunch’s work supporting people affected by brain tumours across the Isle of Wight.
The Wight Brainy Bunch provides practical, emotional and financial support to people on the Isle of Wight living with a brain tumour, ensuring that no one has to face their diagnosis alone.
For more information visit: www.thewightbrainybunch.org.uk
