Kenilworth firefighter smashes fundraising target after completing charity challenge

An on-call firefighter from Kenilworth has completed her charity challenge.

Alison Insley, who is also an engagement officer for Warwickshire County Council’s library service, has been cycling 25 miles for 25 days.

She was taking on the challenge in the 25 days leading up to her 50th birthday on Wednesday (June 3) using a static bike and a road bike.

Alison completed her last 25 miles on a static bike outside her home in Kenilworth at 5pm on Tuesday and was cheered on by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Chief Fire Officer, Kieran Amos, Kenilworth Mayor Richard Dickson, her neighbours, who have supported her throughout the challenge and her family and friends.

Approaching her 50th birthday, Alison wanted to do something which would make a difference and help her to raise much needed funds for her chosen charities, the Fire Fighters Charity and UCL Amyloidosis Research Fund.

This was to support her colleagues in the fire and rescue service and to and honour the memory of her mum, who died 25 days before her 36th birthday, after being diagnosed with Amyloidosis.

Although Alison had been planning the charity bike ride for months, the challenge had to be altered a few times due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions.

Alison said: “It’s been a tough few weeks with the pandemic almost putting a holt to the challenge before it began, but I said come rain or shine that I would get out on two wheels and get the miles in and that’s exactly what I have done.

"I have had huge support from all my work colleagues, my family and my neighbours, they have been fantastic. I really don’t know what I would have done without them. They have been cheering me on every day.

“As a firefighter you would expect me to be fit, but in this heat, it has been a real challenge.

"I have now raised just short of £3,500 which is well over my fundraising target of £2,500, thank you to everyone who has supported my chosen charities and given me encouragement throughout the mammoth 25 day challenge.

"At the final leg, the sunshine and supporters were out in force, I couldn't have asked for a more encouraging line up of supporters including my family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, the regular squash crew, officers from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Mayor of Kenilworth.

"It has been an amazing experience and I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Alison has had a few surprise visitors during the challenge, including professional squash player Sarah-Jane Perry, who visited Alison outside her home on day fifteen.

Warwickshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Kieran Amos and the Mayor of Kenilworth both supported Alison again outside her home on day ten.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Chief Fire Officer, Kieran Amos said: “We are immensely proud of Alison and the sheer hard work and determination she has put into this charity bike ride.

"625 miles in 25 days is not easy on top of your role as an on-call firefighter and your day job.

"Alison has raised over £3,400 for the Fire Fighters Charity, who support firefighters and their families in their time of need and UCL Amyloidosis Research Fund.

"This is just amazing.

“To reach a milestone of 50 years whilst doing all of this, is I am sure something that Alison, her family, friends and colleagues will be very proud of.”

To donate go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlisonInsley