FIREFIGHTERS from across Barnsley raised more than £1,400 for two charities by swapping their fire helmets for swimming caps.
Both firefighters and staff at the service swam a total of 170 miles – the perimeter of South Yorkshire – to raise funds for The Firefighters’ Charity and The Royal Life Saving Society.
They smashed their original target of £1,000 – much to the delight of chief fire officer Chris Kirby.
He said: “Well done to everyone who took part in this swimming event and raised so much money for these two fantastic charities.
“Every life lost is one too many.
“That’s why we decided to support The Royal Life Saving Society and the work they do in helping people learn how to swim and enjoy the water safely.
“It has a proud history of helping to reducing the number of lives lost to drowning.
“Their mission is to be the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding in the UK and Republic of Ireland, aiming to give everyone the potential to save lives and enjoy water, safely.
“I’m delighted that we are also supporting The Firefighters’ Charity who do such amazing work for firefighters and their families across the UK.”