Firefighter hits fundraising peak by climbing Ben Nevis – while dressed in fire kit

Fundraising efforts reached dizzying heights for one Northants firefighter when he climbed the UK’s highest mountain – all while dressed in fire kit.

Phil Radwell donned his helmet, complete kit and even an old set of breathing apparatus to scale Ben Nevis which is 1,345 metres above sea level.

Completing the physically tough task took Phil, who was accompanied by his wife Michelle Radwell, 8 hours and 45 minutes.

Their efforts helped raise £935 for The Fire Fighters Charity, an organisation which works to support the mental and physical wellbeing of serving and retired firefighters, and their families.

Phil, who is an on-call firefighter with Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, based at Raunds Fire Station, took on the challenge knowing how difficult this year has been for so many charities, given covid-19 restrictions.

He said: “This is the first time I have ever climbed a mountain and I trained mainly by going for long walks and trying to train the muscles into taking that kind of punishment. It doesn’t really prepare you completely for what the mountain throws at you. Imagine your stairs at home and those stairs being 15 km long. Your thighs burn on the way up and your calves on the way down!”

Phil was grateful for the company of Michelle, who had the job of carrying supplies up the mountain.

He said: “It felt like a massive achievement getting to the top and the biggest relief, but then of course you remember you have to make it all the way down too!
“But I was really proud to raise this money for The Fire Fighters Charity. I know charities have really suffered with so many events being cancelled so I wanted to do a little bit to help.”

Anyone who would like to support Phil’s fundraising effort can donate by visiting: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/phil-radwell