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13 August 2007
Odsal firefighters who turned pedal power into charity cash have been presented with the Trudy Ramsden Trophy.
The total raised by Blue Watch, who cycled on a tandem in relay around all 48 fire stations in West Yorkshire in April, has now reached £9,500. It took them 19 hours, 50 minutes and 29 seconds to complete the 250-mile course in memory of popular fire control operator Trudy Ramsden, who died of cancer last year.
The team of 13, who had the support of Hollyoaks actress Jenny Metcalfe during the event, were presented with the Trudy Ramsden Trophy by Keith Robinson, Bradford District Manager for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Richard Hall, organiser and Blue Watch Manager at the Bradford station, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support. It is down to their generosity and hard work that our fund has almost reached £10,000. We hope to exceed the £10,000 mark when we hold our open day at Odsal Fire Station on August 18.”
He added that the challenge was now open to firefighters from other watches to beat their time. The watch which has the fastest time will hold the trophy.
Keith Robinson added: "It is with great pleasure that I make the presentation to Blue Watch. The effect of Trudy’s tragic death is something that will live with us throughout the service for a very long time, and it is important that we raise the awareness.
“We are now setting a challenge for the rest of the service to beat the time set by Odsal.
The effort and dedication shown by the firefighters at Odsal is an example to others and I am proud to manager these people – the challenge is out.”
A variety of other events have been organised by employees of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to boost the Trudy Ramsden Memorial Fund. These include a charity fire engine pull by firefighters from Mirfield on August 18, a pantomime by Community Fire Safety staff and the Trudy Ramsden Winter Snow Ball next February.
All cash raised for the Trudy Ramsden Memorial Fund will go to Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Fire Services’ National Benevolent Fund.
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For further information contact Kelly Thornham on 01274 655807 or Stephen Hardy on 01274 655717.