Blackpool International’s Firefighters Take on the Three Peaks Challenge!

Firefighters from Blackpool International are set to scale the UK’s three highest mountains in just 24 hours to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Blackpool International’s White Watch are tackling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon starting on May 18th. Firefighter Joe Reidy enlisted his crew to start training for the renowned Three Peaks Challenge after hearing about Lisa Taylor, a close family friend, and her determination to increase awareness of the most common type of cancer in the UK. So far Lisa has raised more than £1000 after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Joe said: “Lisa is a family friend and I am amazed by her courage and felt compelled to help. The guys at Blackpool International’s fire station were more than happy to get involved. “We have been in training for a while, going on runs and long walks. It will be a tough challenge but it is nothing compared to what Lisa is doing right now and we hope lots of people will come forward and sponsor us.” Lisa, of Knowsley Avenue, Blackpool said: “When Joe contacted me I was really touched that people that I had never even met were inspired to help. “I wish them all the best of luck on their epic journey.” Refreshments and food for the journey are being provided free of charge by Asda on Cherry Tree Road and Joe’s father, Dave Reidy, and friend, Harold Gardener, will do all the driving. Sue Kendrick, Customer Relations & Communications Manager at Blackpool International, which is supporting the fund raising challenge, said: “It was a real pleasure to meet Lisa when she came to see the White Watch firefighters to thank them in person. “We will be sending them off and welcoming them back with a big cheer and would encourage as many people as possible to visit the sponsorship page at www.Justgiving.com/Fire-Station and make a donation to this very worthy cause!” Three Peaks Challenge Itinerary • A total of nine people are taking part in the challenge – seven members of crew from White Watch, Blackpool International Station manager, Jim Johnson, plus a former Blackpool firefighter colleague, Dale Adkinson. • White Watch crew: Paul Fort, Crew Manager and firefighters Chris Kitchen, Chris Brannigan, Joe Reidy, Danny Smith, Nick Perks and Dave Brakewell. • Tuesday, May 18th: Finish shift and set off for bonny Scotland. Expected ascent time 8pm. • After conquering the first peak, drive to and climb Scafell Pike in Cumbria. • Last leg of the journey will be to reach the dizzy heights of Mount Snowdon in Wales and decend before 8pm on Wednesday, May 19th. • To sponsor the firefighters please visit www.Justgiving.com/Fire-Station Lisa’s fundraising campaign Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in November Lisa has raised more than £1000 for the charity by having her head shaved before undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. Her final session will take place on May 11th and then she will start grueling radiotherapy. She said: “I found a lump in my left breast and didn’t really think it was anything but went to the doctors to get it checked out. “My mother conquered breast cancer 20 years ago so I knew that I was doing the right thing by seeing my GP. “I was shocked when I found out that it was indeed cancer but knew I was up for the fight. I had my head shaved before I started treatment and the day after it really hit home and I was at my lowest. “I have dealt with it by taking each stage one at a time. I have been very poorly with the chemo, which just strengthens my resolve to raise awareness. Lisa has three daughters, Nikki, 22, Fiona, 21 and Becky 16, who will all know undergo genetic testing to find out their risk of developing the disease. They have all been helping with the fundraising through work and Fiona has signed up for this year’s Blackpool Race For Life. Lisa is also being supported by an old school friend, Philip Lancaster, who is running the 2010 Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10k Fun Run. -ends- Please see below link to picture, which shows: Lisa Taylor with firefighters (L to R) Chris Kitchen, Chris Brannigan, Joe Reidy, Danny Smith, Nick Perks and Dave Brakewell Notes to Editors: • Blackpool International is 95% owned by Balfour Beatty through Regional & City Airports (Blackpool) Ltd, with the remaining 5% owned by Blackpool Borough Council. RCA acquired their interest in the airport on 8th May 2008. • Blackpool International Airport’s airlines include: Aer Lingus, Jet2.com and Manx2.com flying scheduled routes to Alicante, Belfast, Dublin, Faro, Isle of Man, Jersey, Malaga, Murcia, Palma and Tenerife. • Blackpool International took top spot in a Which?Holiday passenger survey. For further information call Susan Kendrick, Communications Manager, Blackpool International on 01253 472560 or email suekendrick@blackpoolairport.com. Alternatively, call Julie Hackett, ICG, 07973 196 787.

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