Firefighters from Lincoln and Bradford are walking 75 miles to raise money for The Firefighters Charity and Bradford Burns Unit, marking the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire disaster.
The mammoth fundraising challenge starting on Friday 4 April, is in memory of the 56 people who lost their lives at the Bradford stadium, when a fire broke out at a football match between the Bantams and Lincoln City in 1985.
The Bradford fire crews want to raise £56,000 and will be joined by their counterparts from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service.
A team of six from Lincoln South fire station will be taking part and have been completing training walks over the last month.
Deputy Divisional Commander Andy Dixon, will be supporting the group along the route with colleagues by minibuses and a fire engine form West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue. He said:
“This is a huge challenge for our firefighters to cover this distance, but we were determined to do something worthwhile alongside our colleagues from West Yorkshire Fire Service to mark this important anniversary.
“As well as raising funds for important causes, this event acts as a way to remember those who lost their lives on that day.”
The route starts at Lincoln City football stadium and leaves Lincoln via Brayford Pool. The team will then pass through Saxilby, Maton, Gainsborough and Bawtry, to reach the halfway point at Doncaster.
They will then walk to Bradford fire station via Wakefield, ending the challenge at Bradford City football stadium.
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/page/lincolnsouthfire