VIDEO: Firefighters from Ryde have stepped up their training ahead of their world record attempt to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest a staggering 13 times in just 24 hours.
A scaffold tower has now been erected in the yard of Ryde Fire Station to allow the fundraising firefighters to practice climbing a 10m fire service ladder and descending back to earth again using a 15m purpose-built wooden slide. This week the slide has been raised a further 6 degrees to 30 degrees to give it some more pace.
The challenge will take place on 5th and 6th August at Western Gardens on Ryde Esplanade and will see the crew climbing a total of 71 miles over 24 hours. It is hoped that the current world record held by Isle of Man firefighters, who climbed a total of 70.94 miles some 5 years ago, can be beaten.
The beneficiaries for this year’s event will be the Ryde Fire Station charity fund which donates sums of cash, computers, music devices and other items to help make life a little easier for various local families who may find themselves in difficult, physical and emotional situations.
The Wight Brainy Bunch, which was initially set up by Ryde firefighter Mark Grimes and his wife Kathryn following Mark’s diagnosis of a brain tumour in February 2015, will also benefit from the funds raised.
A variety of companies have got behind the challenge with donations and support from Scania; Sydenhams; Neutrik; Pascall; Maher Ross and ACE Scaffolding.
Banner and T-Shirt logo space is still available for any businesses wanting to support the Ryde firefighters in 2017. Contact [email protected] for more information.
https://twitter.com/rydefire2017/status/864589620218130432
