Firefighters To Pull Engine For Charity

1 May 2010, 09:12 | Updated: 3 May 2010, 09:14

Firefighters from all over Dorset are pulling a fire engine through the centre of Bournemouth and Christchurch today.

This exhausting event is to help raise money for the Hampshire firefighters memorial fund.

Starting at 10.30am from Westbourne fire station the pull will circle around Westbourne following Alumhurst Road, Seamoor Road and Poole Road. This will be the end of the first stage of the event, the appliance and crews will then be transported to Christchurch where the second stage commences.

Starting at approximately 12pm from Christchurch high street the route continues along Barrack Road through Christchurch and into Bournemouth along the overcliffs finishing at Bournemouth pier.

Organiser and Weymouth Watch Manager John Claxton said: "We have organised this event to raise money to support the families of James Shears and Alan Bannon, who sadly passed away at the beginning of this month. At such a sad time we would like to do all we can to support the widows and families of these firefighters along with our colleagues in Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service."

Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and loved ones of James and Alan. Watch Manager John Claxton has done a great job in organising this event to raise funds to support the families. We hope the public will be able to support us in supporting the families of our brave colleagues."

If anyone would like to make a donation to the memorial fund they should send a cheque or postal order made payable to 'Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service' to Hampshire Firefighters' Family Fund, Finance Department, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Leigh Road, Hampshire, SO50 9SJ.