A team of cyclists from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will be taking part in an annual cycling challenge on June 18, to honor a former firefighter who tragically passed away whilst on duty.
The team of eight firefighters will join hundreds of other cyclists in a coast-to-coast cycle challenge called ‘Chase the Sun’, which sees riders set off at sunrise and arrive at their destination by sunset.
Dramatic coastal road
Taking part in the ‘Chase the Sun’ challenge was originally suggested by Paul ‘TL’ Wilkens, a crew manager at Castle Donington Station. Paul was a keen cyclist and part of the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Cycling Club.
Unfortunately, Paul never got to take part in ‘Chase the Sun’, as he sadly passed away whilst on duty in August 2016 In memory of Paul, his colleagues – including his brother Simon – friends and cycling teammates successfully took part in their first ‘Chase the Sun’ challenge the year after Paul passed away – something they have done ever since. The ride will start at sunrise at the historic Titanic docks of Belfast, up the dramatic coastal road and the Antrim Glens, heading inland to traverse forests, mountains, and loughs.
Fire service community
They will be doing this ride not only in memory of Paul but to also raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity
The route crosses the border of Northern and Republic of Ireland and finishes at sunset along the wild Atlantic way beaches at Enniscrone. Simon Wilkens, Crew Manager at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As this was something Paul and I had planned to do together, it always becomes an emotional journey before the cycling challenges start.”
“We hope that in doing this event the whole of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will all remember Paul by doing and supporting something he thoroughly enjoyed.” They will be doing this ride not only in memory of Paul, but to also raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity which provides physical, mental health, and social wellbeing support to past and present members of the fire service community.
Give something back
This year, they have made it different. They want to give something back for the generous support. They have been able to secure donations to run a prize draw – so not only are users supporting them, but users have the chance to win a prize. Thanks to Hunt Wheels who have generously donated a prize – a voucher for a set of wheels up to the value of £500! There will also be the chance to win an Oculus Quest 2 Headset.
For each multiple of £5 which is donated, users will be entered into a prize draw to win an Oculus Quest 2 headset (e.g £5 is one entry, £20 is four entries). When entering, please select that the user is happy for JustGiving to share the contact details with the organizer. The details will be safely stored and will only be accessed to notify the user if they are a winner. The winner will be contacted once the page is closed after the event.