Firefighters saddle up

FREEWHEELIN’ firefighters will saddle up to ride more than 160 miles when they take on a charity bike ride visiting every fire station in South Yorkshire.

Watch manager Gary Ridgeway and Group manager Aidy Robinson have organised the sponsored ride in support of the Firefighters’ Charity and the Men United prostate cancer charity in memory of former Rotherham District Commander Gordon Charlesworth.

And the group of ten red hot riders from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are encouraging others to join them on their visit to 22 stations, inviting them to cycle part or all of the route.

Doncaster-based Aidy, a keen cyclist, said: “I retire from the fire service at the end of June and I really wanted to do something to remember my good friend Gordon before I left.

“I knew that Gary was planning this ride between all the stations, so we decided to join forces.

“Gordon was a fantastic guy. He served 32 years in the fire service and then returned as a civilian in our health and safety department. He was really well known and well liked.

“Sadly, he was only 54 when he passed away.

“Gordon had suffered a bad back and was later diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“We all want to remember him and raise money from Prostate Cancer UK along the way, so we’re hoping this will be a real success and people will support us.”

Gary, of Ravenfield, is a keen triathlete, but thinks the ride could prove a real challenge.

He said: “The main issue is the distance. The earlier stages, from Edlington, through Rotherham to Sheffield, won’t be too bad but when we head out to Penistone and Stocksbridge there are a few tough climbs. It could get interesting.”

The Gordon Charlesworth memorial ride sets off from Edlington Fire Station at 7am on Sunday.

From there it will visit the following fire stations: Maltby; Rotherham Aston Park; Mosborough, Mansfield Road Darnall Road; Central; Rivelin Valley; Elm Lane; Tankersley; Stocksbridge; Penistone; Barnsley; Cudworth; Dearne; Adwick; Askern; Thorne; Doncaster and Rossington.

Sponsorship forms for the ride are available in all South Yorkshire fire stations.

Anyone wanting to take part in the event is also asked to enquire at their local fire station.

All participants will be asked to contribute a £10 entry fee.