Firefighters tackle bleep test challenge to fight Motor Neurone Disease

Firefighters from Blue Watch challenged themselves to an extreme endurance event by running the bleep test to the firefighter selection standard every hour, on the hour, for 24 hours for MND

Rochdale firefighters have smashed an epic bleep test challenge to raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease after being inspired by a colleague who was recently diagnosed with the disease.

The challenge saw the firefighters from Blue Watch at Rochdale Fire Station challenging themselves to an extreme endurance event by running the bleep test to the firefighter selection standard every hour, on the hour, for 24 hours. The bleep test is the fitness test, fire service candidates must pass to gain entry into Greater Manchester fire and rescue service.

The firefighters were joined on the day by Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank who sadly lost his grandfather to the disease and who character is currently connected to a storyline around the disease.

The challenge ran as part of the fire stations family fun day which welcomed people from across the community to the station. The bleep tests continued long after the crowds had departed though and continued for the full 24 hours on the hour every hour.

The local community were incredibly generous and donations came pouring in to support the challenge which saw the firefighters raise an incredible £3,182.50.

This money will be used to support local people who are living with the disease and their families across the area, ensuring that no one living with the disease faces it alone.

Speaking about the challenge firefighter Ian Hall said “The day itself went really well, especially as there was a great turnout from the public, and the sun also showed its face throughout the day. We started the challenge at 10am, with a bleep test on the hour, every hour, for 24 hours.

During the day we had activities for the families, which helped with the vocal support we all received on each of the runs, however the fire station open day finished at 5pm (8 runs in). This is when it started to become a mental as well as a physical challenge  for the runners, as we started to get into the evening, bodies were starting to stiffen up as the night wore on, still with a long way to go.

To top things off it rained from midnight, to 4am, this made the challenge that little bit harder, between the runs we were obviously encouraging each other when somebody mentioned, that this is a temporary struggle, whereas people with MND have their struggles every day. This put our challenge into perspective, and pushed us through to our final run at 9am.

The whole team were extremely proud of themselves, and are already thinking of our next challenge, so watch this space.”

Commenting on the amount raised MND Association Regional Fundraiser Dominic McDonough said “This was an absolutely amazing challenge and the team have absolutely smashed it. They have gone above and beyond and raised an incredible amount which will make a massive difference and help us to help those living with this terrible disease. It means so much to us and I would like to thank the whole team and everyone who supported them.”

You can find their fundraising page and more information at https://www.justgiving.com/page/lewis-burrow-1685479562283