A TEAM of firefighters joined forces with Solihull Council’s Chief Executive to pull a fire engine through the town as part of a week-long fundraising challenge.
Nick Page and the team from West Midlands Fire Service used man-power to get the fire engine down Solihull High Street from St Alphege Church to Poplar Road in just seven minutes.
The Mayor of Solihull, Stuart Davis, got proceedings underway and while it took a few seconds for the first team to gain momentum, they were running with the truck to the second team who finished off the challenge in style.
This was the first of six challenges Nick completed in three days in a bid to raise funds for Solihull’s children in care and care leavers.
He also completed a 10-mile bike ride round Shirley, a Nordic walk, a Bollywood dance class, a 20-mile cycle round north Solihull and an hour long walk around Babbs Mill.
All money raised will be managed by Our Voice, Our Services (OVOS), Solihull’s children in care council who will plan events for next year.
OVOS is made up of children and young people aged 8 to 25 who meet regularly with professionals to ensure children in care have a voice in decisions about the design and delivery of services that affect them.
The money raised will go towards providing fun and engaging events for Solihull’s looked after children and young people, such as go-karting, bowling and meals out.
Councillor Ken Meeson, cabinet member for children, education and skills said: “Solihull Council takes its responsibility for the children in our care very seriously; councillors and officers want to give them the best start in life possible.
“Last year we raised over £1,000 to give them the kind of experiences other children take for granted.
“Our Chief Executive’s enthusiastic fundraising will build on this excellent work and we wish him all the best in his challenge.”
To donate send a cheque payable to SMBC and addressed to Chief Executive’s Office, Council House, Manor Square, B91 3QB.
For more about OVOS at: www.getitsorted.me/ovos-our-voice-our-services
