Hope House is ‘thrilled’ at fire station support

Over 20 operational firefighters and NIFRS support staff ran 160 miles over the course of the event and burnt an incredible 14,650 calories.

Members of the public also received fire safety advice as well as the opportunity to see inside Cadogan Fire Station in South Belfast.

Hope House offers respite for patients and carers from the difficulties of their daily lives. It provides self-catering accommodation for people who are living with terminal illness.

Event organiser and firefighter Noel McKee, who is based at Whitla Fire Station, was delighted with the money raised and the effort from those involved.

He said: “To raise this amount of money for an important charity such as Hope House is fantastic. I would like to thank not only those who donated so generously throughout the 26Hour Treadmill Challenge, but to those firefighters and support staff who gave up their free time to complete this event.

“Firefighters have a significant role within an area and are very much the fabric of the local community. Events such as the 26Hour Treadmill Challenge not only support important causes, but offer opportunities for members of the public to engage with their local community firefighters.

“£8050 will make a substantial impact to service delivery at Hope House, which has been greatly received by staff at the charity.”

Hope House representative Dawn McConnell added: “We were delighted that Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service offered their support to Hope House through their participation in the 26Hour Treadmill Challenge.

“When we were informed of the amount of money raised, we were thrilled. It is a credit to all of those operational firefighters and NIFRS support staff that their efforts have been rewarded through the generosity of members of the public who want to support Hope House.

“Hope House would again like to thank Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for their involvement and to congratulate those who help raise £8,050 for the charity.”