A TEAM of firefighters are half-way towards their target of raising £30,000 for injured colleagues and servicemen – and getting set to boost their total by riding the length of Britain.

Fourteen firefighters from stations across West Oxfordshire, and a soldier from Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, will set off on their bikes from John O’Groats on June 5.

The 11 men and four women aim to finish the 874-mile cycle ride at Land’s End, on June 18.

The team is fundraising for the forces charity Help for Heroes and the Fire Fighters Charity.

Fundraising organiser Nathan Crockford, 35, crew manager at Burford Fire Station, said: “People have already shown incredible support for the cycle ride.

“The two charities are both fantastic causes and money will be divided between them.

“We held a collection outside Sainsbury’s in Witney at the weekend and raised £1,500, and a charity auction at Abingdon fire station also raised £6,500.”

He added: “I suffered a very serious broken leg in a motorbike accident last year, so unfortunately I will not be able to go on the ride. But I have been using the residential facilities of the Fire Fighters Charity during my re-habiliation, which is why I was keen to help by organising the fundraising.”

Ride organiser Bob Paterson added: “These two charities are very close to the hearts of firefighters and army personnel.

“We know that we will have tough moments, both mentally and physically, during the ride, but we are raring to go and looking forward to the challenge.

“We also want to raise awareness of motorcycle safety and will be spreading the word as we go.”

Judith Heathcoat, the county council’s cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: “I wish all members of the team the best of luck.

“Our firefighters have a commitment to promoting public safety throughout the UK but to do so from one end of the UK to the other is truly impressive.

“They are great ambassadors for Oxfordshire.”

Colleagues at Banbury and Witney fire stations will celebrate the team’s arrival in the county. On June 14, when the first riders are expected, firefighters from Banbury will be in Market Place between 11am and 2pm to highlight road safety issues.

Fire crews from Witney will do the same in the town’s market place the day after from 10am.

Mr Crockford said: “We are very grateful for the support we have received so far, but we still need help in reaching our target.”

affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk To donate, visit heroes4heroes.co.uk