Heywood firefighter wins award for his charity efforts

Leon Dally, Rob McDonagh, Mark Haslam, Pete Griffiths and Dean Hanley ready to take on the New York Marathon

A Firefighter from Heywood has won an award for his outstanding charity efforts.

Peter Griffiths, 44, is a firefighter on Blue Watch at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and is soon to become the proud owner of a Beyond the Call of Duty Award.

Peter was nominated for the award by Lesley Wardle, a volunteer fundraiser with Operation Florian, for his commitment over the years.

Peter was singled out for the way he has consistently gone out of his way to help the charity over the years, with his latest event being the New York Marathon in November, which resulted in him scooping the joint Lion Apparel and Fire Magazine award.

Peter said: “I really am gobsmacked to be nominated for this fantastic award, let alone win.

“We are running the marathon in New York at the weekend in memory of Firefighter Steve Hunt as well as continuing to raise funds for Operation Florian.”

GMFRS’ County Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Steve McGuirk, said: “Peter is doing a fantastic job with his ongoing fundraising efforts for Operation Florian.

“At GMFRS we all wish Peter and his team mates the best of luck for Sunday’s New York Marathon.”

Operation Florian Volunteer Lesley Wardle said: “I thought it would be nice to give someone like Pete the recognition that he deserves and I am made up that he has been selected to win of the award.”

Tim Ottridge, Joint Managing Director, LHD (Lion Apparel), said: “Peter has been fundraising voluntarily for many years, often in his own time, and is highly regarded by his peers for his total commitment and willingness to help out at all times.

“His dedication goes well beyond the call of duty and he has made a contribution that helps to make a difference for some of those less fortunate communities around the world.”

On Sunday 3 November, Peter is running the New York Marathon for the third time to raise money for Operation Florian along with fellow GMFRS firefighters – Dean Hanley, Leon Dally, Mark Haslam and Rob McDonagh. The fantastic five will wear a vest with “running for Steve” on them in memory of Firefighter Stephen Hunt who died tackling a fire in July.

Operation Florian is the charity formed in 1995 by UK firefighters to promote the protection of life among communities in need around the world, providing equipment and training to improve firefighting and rescue capabilities.