Michelle’s Marathon

Our Deputy Visitor Centre Manager Michelle Barnes, is undertaking a marathon challenge in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity on Sunday 24th April, when she takes part in the 35th Virgin London Marathon.

Michelle is one of three members of our staff who are in the retained fire service, based at Hawes Fire Station in Wensleydale. This is quite typical of deeply rural areas that may be too far from the bigger towns with full time fire crews, to reach them quickly enough in an emergency situation.

The Wensleydale Creamery operates a system whereby staff in the retained service can be “on call” during their working day, so that if they are needed they can leave immediately to fulfil their fire brigade duties.

Dave Pitt, Group Manager for North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said “What people don’t see is the hard work Michelle has already put in to enhance her fitness levels; this has been going on for months. Michelle quietly gets on with everything life throws at her and she never dodges a challenging situation. I would ask everyone to get behind her and give her the support she needs to raise as much money as possible for our Charity”.

Running the London Marathon has been a lifelong dream of Michelle’s, and as she turns 40 this year she decided to go for it! As a Crew Manager in the local fire service, Michelle has known a number of people that have benefitted directly from the service and care provided by the Fire Fighters Charity, so she didn’t even need to question who she would raise money for, with this epic challenge. She has found the support and training plans that the charity has provided a great help in her preparation.

Natasha Mason, Regional Fundraising Team Manager for the Fire Fighters Charity said “we are grateful to work with dedicated fundraisers such as Michelle, who work tirelessly to raise money that enables us to provide services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired firefighters, fire personnel and their families”.

Michelle has already raised over £3000 for the charity by holding an open day at Hawes Fire Station which included a barbecue and duck race, and a pie and pea supper quiz night at The Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre.

If you would like to sponsor Michelle, please visit her Just Giving page.