First responders have a head for heights to raise funds

Volunteers from the Danbury community first responder (CFR) group are joining forces with Bicknacre Priory Scout group to make the Three Peaks challenge a reality this weekend.

Co-ordinator Gordon Wren and Scout leader Craig Cobb are providing logistics support for CFR group member Stuart Little, and Rebecca Hull, Andy Keen and Simon Drane from the Scout group as they attempt to summit Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours on Saturday and into Sunday (8^th and 9^th April).

As well as raising funds for the Scout group, donations will go to the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT), and Register for Rosie.

Register for Rosie was set up to support Rosie Day, a cause close to the hearts of Danbury CFRs. Stuart was one of the team who taught the first locally-based emergency life-support (ELS) course in December 2015, little knowing that seven days later he’d be first on scene as a CFR to support Rosie’s mum Sara, carry out CPR on Rosie.

Stuart said: “We were backed up by the HEMS team from EHAAT and thankfully Rosie recovered and subsequently underwent transplant surgery. Rosie was diagnosed with hypercardiomyopathy aged just three, and as a result her parents launched a programme to teach CPR to their friends and neighbours for that ‘just in case’ moment.”

He added: “My Scouting and CFR roles complement each other well and when we decided to take on the peaks, the choices of charity were simple.”

Rebecca and Stuart have subsequently taught several other ELS courses to Sara’s friends and family, and thankfully Rosie is receiving ongoing rehabilitation and is making a steady recovery.

Gordon added: “When the Scout team mentioned they were undertaking the Three Peaks challenge, I was only too pleased to lend my support.

“As a group we’ve followed Rosie’s story closely as it shows what a huge difference having CFRs in the community can make.”

To make a donation and follow the team’s endeavours this weekend, visit the Facebook page bicknacre3peaks, and @bpscoutgroup on Twitter.

Picture (from left to right) are Andy, Rebecca and Stuart training on Dartmoor recently.

Published 7th April, 2017