Isle of Wight firefighters will begin an epic charity challenge on Friday (22) after a popular member of their ranks recovered from cancer.
Green Watch Firefighter Mark Grimes received surgery following the diagnosis of a brain tumour in 2015, followed by a second surgery in 2019.
Mark will be joined by his intrepid crew from Ryde Fire Station as they circumnavigate the Isle of Wight coast, to raise money for the charity he and his wife Kat set up, The Wight Brainy Bunch.
Setting off in an anti-clockwise direction from Ryde’s hovercraft launch pad at approximately 9am, the Green Watch crew will come full circle, returning to the same spot on Sunday evening.
They plan to cover 20 miles per day across sand, rocks and mud, with the occasional swim or kayak when walking isn’t possible!
Mark’s close friend, Chas Wright, is set to retire as one of Ryde’s watch managers next year, but first wanted to complete one last charity mission before leaving the fire service.
The route the Ryde crew will be taking
Mark said:
“It’s a huge challenge to take on, and it means so much to me that Chas and the rest of the team are willing to dedicate their time and efforts to fundraise for our charity.
"The Wight Brainy Bunch supports those affected by brain tumours, something I am incredibly passionate about following my own experiences.”
Following a CT scan on his 34th birthday back in 2015, Mark was found to have a brain tumour and was required to remain awake throughout a four-hour craniotomy.
Seven years later, Mark has cleared numerous hurdles to complete his treatment and return to the fire station on full operational duties.
Donations can be made through a Just Giving page online.
To donate £5, text the word GREEN to 70460, while donations of more than £5 can be made by texting GREEN followed by the amount (eg: GREEN10 will donate £10).
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