The Gran Fondo Dragon Ride sees cyclists ride a distance of 215km through the Brecon Beacons in Wales, with a 3,350m ascent.
Most of the ‘Hayling Dragons’ team respond to emergency calls from their local fire station on Hayling Island, with other members of the group serving at Emsworth.
Andy ‘Browner’ Brown, Graham ‘River’ Dance, Rich Bettesworth, Chris Sherlock, Kev O’Mahony, Fanette Guy-DeBrauwer and Wes Hooker will be gearing up on the 6th June, hoping to raise £1,500 for The Fire Fighters Charity.
The team of seven will be cheered on by Dave ‘Coxy’ Cox, who will be driving along providing refreshments at strategic stops.
A number of the crew have had to make use of the charity’s support for both mental and physical struggles which they have faced during their careers, and are now looking to give something back.
Watch Manager Andy Brown said:
“It is no doubt going to be a gruelling challenge, but we will be together as a team, and I’m sure it will be extremely rewarding at the same time.
“The charity does so much for firefighters across the country, and we have personal experience in the team of the wonders they can do to support those dealing with both physical injuries and mental health struggles.
“As on-call firefighters we have to balance our home and work lives, alongside our fire service role – the support the Fire Fighters Charity provides is invaluable in ensuring our crews are fit, healthy and available to keep our rural communities safe.”
Currently building up their training ahead of the big day, the Dragons will also be on the exercise bikes, promoting the event at Hayling Island’s open day on the 11th April.
You can show your support for the Hayling Dragons and donate on their Go Fund Me page.
