South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue staff swim 170 miles for charity

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue staff swam the equivalent of the perimeter of South Yorkshire to raise money for charities.

Employees ranging from frontline firefighters to corporate workers swam a total of 170 miles in support of the challenge in the last week of May.

The original goal was to raise £1,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity and The Royal Life Saving Society but they smashed their target, making over £1,400, with more still to come in.

The Royal Life Saving Society has made it their mission to decrease lives lost due to drowning and aim to educate everyone on how to enjoy the water safely.

The Fire Fighters Charity supports fire fighters all over the country as well as their families, including those who have retired.

Chief fire officer Chris Kirby praised all that took part in the fundraiser as well as the overwhelming amounts of donations, adding: “Every life lost is one too many.

"That’s why we decided to support the Royal Life Saving Society and the work they do in helping people learn how to swim and enjoy the water safely.

“I’m delighted that we are also supporting the Fire Fighters Charity, who do such amazing work for firefighters and their families across the UK.”

The Royal Life Saving Society supports those who may fall victim to drowning, as well as those who are there to prevent that from happening.