FIREFIGHTERS in Oxfordshire smashed their £100,000 charity fundraising target after cycling the length of the country.

A team of 18 cyclists from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service tackled the 1,006 mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End in May – raising more than £102,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity.

The route is traditionally 874 miles long but the crew chose to bump up the distance to 1,006 to reflect the measurement of the county that they serve in square miles.

The team completed the challenge in 14 days, riding about 80 miles a day, and stopping at various fire stations around the country for support along the way.

The stations, along with youth hostels, became the team’s home for two weeks, with several brigades up and down the country joining them each day.

Chief fire officer Dave Etheridge OBE said: “The target of £100,000 is the largest sum that Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has ever tried to raise, so to smash the target and raise over £102,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity is just phenomenal. It has been an incredible team effort by all involved.

“I would like to thank our sponsors, everyone who donated, and the practical advice and support that we had from Oxford Brookes University and Oxfordshire County Council.

“I would also like to thank the Fire and Rescue Services throughout Scotland and England who hosted us throughout the trip.”

Many of the firefighters took part in the challenge in memory of colleague Joe Wilkins who died in a collision with a car while cycling in May 2012. The team paid tribute to him during their challenge by carrying Mr Wilkins' personal brigade tally and name badge throughout the journey.

Martin Smith is finance director at The Fire Fighters Charity, which aims to improve the lives of serving and retired firefighters by providing support and emotional recuperation.

He said: “I am delighted to accept this incredible cheque from the team at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service following their inspirational John O’Groats to Land’s End cycle ride earlier this year.

“The charity followed the exploits of the team closely during the event and, just as we touch the lives of firefighters from all areas of the UK by providing life enhancing health and wellbeing services, it was fantastic to see how the whole community came together to support the team as it cycled through different regions and counties.”

To read about the experiences of the cycling team at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, visit jogle2016.co.uk/blog