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Fundraising firefighters in 420-mile charity event

Nathan Turvey
BBC News, Yorkshire
Jay Taylor Jay Taylor running along a road in the snowJay Taylor
The challenge will see the firefighters run to all 38 fire stations in North Yorkshire

Two firefighters plan to "run, walk or crawl" the 420 miles between all 38 fire stations in North Yorkshire for charity.

Jay Taylor, from Richmond, alongside colleague Robyn Foster, will cover an average of 30 miles (48km) each day to finish the challenge within their two-week deadline.

Army veteran Mr Taylor said he had been running three or four times a week as part of his training and was "about to ramp it up a little bit".

The pair hope to raise £10,000 for the Firefighters Charity and VTRN Reset, which helps former service members transition to civilian life.

Jay Taylor Robyn Foster and Jay Taylor in coats with their hoods up.Jay Taylor
Robyn, left, and Jay plan to cover the 420-mile route in two weeks

Beginning at Richmond, they will head to Northallerton and Stokesley on the first day, with future key stops including Scarborough, Whitby, York, Harrogate, Skipton, Settle and Hawes.

Referring to his training ahead of the challenge, Mr Taylor said: "I'm looking at maybe a run of 15 miles one day and then it will be smaller runs, maybe four or five of them."

The firefighter originally had the idea 15 years ago - but said he was unable to get anyone "crazy enough" to do it with him.

Mr Taylor said the longest run would be about 34 miles and the shortest would be on the final day, when the pair are due to cover the four miles between Catterick Garrison and Richmond.

He said he wanted to raise money for the "brilliant" Firefighters Charity, after it gave "crucial support" to a friend diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The challenge will also raise money for VTRN Reset, which helps supports former members of the armed forces.

Before joining the fire service, Mr Taylor served in the infantry in the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment (Tigers).

"I left the Army about 20 years ago and I've had a few friends that have really struggled with moving from Army life to civilian life."

"We do a lot, but we don't do enough for veterans," he added.

The pair are due to begin the challenge in Richmond on 18 May.

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