Hertfordshire firefighters raise nearly £5,000 with 180-mile cycling challenge visiting county’s 29 stations in one day in aid of charity and inspirational colleague

Fundraising firefighters completed a mammoth bike ride visiting all 29 fire stations in Hertfordshire in one day – including a stop at Bishop’s Stortford for a short rest.

The team of 22 from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service set off on the 180-mile (289.7km) challenge on Sunday June 30 at 5am and finished just after 9pm.

They are close to reaching their £5,000 target for The Fire Fighters’ Charity and will be supporting Herts firefighter Liam Coffil, who suffered life-changing injuries when he was knocked off his bike on the way to work at Garston fire station in August 2023.

The charity is supporting Liam as he adjusts to his injuries. He joined the cyclists for part of the ride on an adaptive bike featuring a reclined seating position, powered by hand pedalling.

Watch commander Dwight Williams, who helped to organise the challenge, said: “Having Liam join us for part of the bike ride was very special, he’s an inspiration to us all.

“Whilst we may have sore muscles after the challenge, it’s humbling to see how he’s handling the changes to his life following the accident.

“The Fire Fighters Charity and the help that they give to people in the service is so vital – they are here to help us with the mental and physical challenges that we can face. Seeing their ongoing support for Liam, and how he is using it to overcome his challenges, made this year’s ride even more important.”

You can still make a donation to the cause via Just Giving here.