ADVENTUROUS fire fighters will swap their engine for a fleet of kayaks, in order to raise money for wounded servicemen.
A total of 12 fire fighters from Chelsea Fire Station, in King's Road, will take to the water on April 30, for a two day camping and kayak race across England and Wales.
Despite some of them never having stepped for in a canoe before – and beginning the odyssey after a long shift keeping the Royal Borough safe – they are determined to complete an arduous 45-mile trip down the river Wye in Hertfordshire.
It will raise money for service charity Help for Heroes, which is a cause close to their hearts.
Crew manager of Red Watch Mick Pollock, 47, explained: "Many of us have been in the armed services and have lost friends over in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"It brings home to us how important it is to help charities like these, that help service men who you don't always see in the news."
Intrepid Red Watch, whose members also include 45-year-old crew manager Mick Pollock(COR) and fire fighter Michael Hurley(COR), hope to raise more than £2,000 for the good cause.
Spirits are high in the station, where the team joked to this newspaper about their upcoming challenge and cross fingers that they survive both rapids and nights camped out under the stars.
CM Pollock added: "We're just excited to do something to help."
The team have been helped by company Forest Adventure who have donate the kayaks for the adventure.
To sponsor Red Watch visit www.justgiving.com/michaelhurley or visit www.helpforheros.org.uk to find out more about the charity.
