Swindon firefighters make a splash for charities

Firefighters across the town take part in charity car wash

Firefighters from across Swindon hosed down cars on the weekend in support of two local charities.

Firefighters from across the town joined Westlea’s two watches for a charity car wash at Westlea Fire Station, held to raise money for children’s hospice at home charity Jessie May and The Fire Fighters Charity.

During the fundraiser, which was organised by Station Manager Matty Maggs, visitors were invited to have their cars cleaned by firefighters, meet the team, take a tour of the station and explore the fire engines on site while they waited.

The event raised £200, split between the two charities, and was sponsored by Fish Brothers Peugeot dealership, who provided soaps, buckets, brushes and more for the fundraising day.

Debbie Clark, Swindon and Wiltshire Fundraising Officer at Jessie May, said: “The Jessie May Swindon and Wiltshire team has very recently moved to a new home in Swindon, at Rombourne’s Kingston House, so it was wonderful to meet our friends at Westlea and make a splash with the local firefighters!

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved – the money raised from the car wash is hugely appreciated from both Jessie May and The Fire Fighters Charity. The funds raised for Jessie May will go to supporting local Swindon and Wiltshire families through the provision of vital respite care and emotional support from our nurses. The money will also help pay for trips away for terminally ill children, and also means we can continue to provide bereavement support to local families who have lost a child.

“We hope everyone who joined us on Saturday had a fantastic time and came away with squeaky clean cars and fond memories of meeting their local firefighters and charities.”

Simon Owen, from The Fire Fighters Charity, added: “It was great to work alongside such a worthwhile charity as Jessie May. My thanks go to all those who attended and helped out on Saturday and to Fish Brothers Peugeot for sponsoring the event.”

The money raised from the event will be shared between Jessie May, whose specialist nurses provide support to families caring for a terminally ill child, and The Fire Fighters Charity, the registered charity for the British Fire Service.