Only way is up.
Byline: Andy PassantFirefighters had high hopes of boosting a lifesaving service when they rose to their latest challenge.
A dozen lads from Grangetown and Redcar fire stations hotfooted it up a local landmark carrying a ladder.
The sponsored ladder lift took place at North Yorkshire's mini-Matterhorn, Roseberry Topping.
They were accompanied by family and friends and Great North Air Ambulance patron and TV personality Pam Royle.
Grangetown-based firefighter Ed Parrish organised the event, along with a collection in Middlesbrough town centre on Saturday.
Twelve firefighters carried the extension ladder, weighing 120 kilos, from Aireyholme Farm to Captain Cook's Monument and back.
Ed told the Gazette: "It was tough but it was good. Firefighters tend to be a bit resilient and it was for a great cause.
"There were a lot of people en route giving us money. We probably collected about pounds 50. One gentleman gave us a pounds 20 note.
"The weather was lovely, it couldn't have been better."
He said it was the second time they had held the event, adding: "It is becoming an annual thing.
"We don't know how much we have raised yet but it is probably about pounds 1,000."
Ed said: "It will pay for about two flights. You could say it is two lives.
"The Great North Air Ambulance has limited funding so we are keen to help with fundraising for our colleagues in this vital emergency service.
Patron Pam Royle was happy to join in the fundraising effort.
She said: "Firefighters are always willing to help the community and colleagues in other emergency services."
Pam said it was great fun taking part and they were very lucky with the weather.
"We did the whole thing in under two hours. It was quite awesome to watch them.
"What really touched me was the fact that other people along the way, once they realised, they just put their hands in their pockets immediately and were giving us money which was fantastic."
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| Title Annotation: | News Local |
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| Publication: | Evening Gazette (Middlesbrough, England) |
| Date: | Sep 30, 2003 |
| Words: | 329 |
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