INTERVIEW: Newlywed Morecambe woman completes 15-mile road trek in full firefighter's uniform

Thursday, 29 June 2023 09:01

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A mum from Morecambe has completed a 15-mile fundraising walk wearing heavy firefighter's uniform just days after she got married to a fireman.

Sophie Lyden walked between local fire stations in firefighter's helmet and uniform on Wednesday to raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Sophie started her walk on Wednesday morning from Morecambe Fire Station on Westgate, then walked to Bolton-le-Sands and Lancaster, before returning to Morecambe.

Her husband Eddie is a retained firefighter at Morecambe station. The couple got married last Thursday.

Mum-of-two Sophie said the uniform was "hot, sweaty and uncomfortable" but it was important to raise awareness of what firefighters wear every day as they work to save lives.

"I am not a firefighter so wearing full kit is something I am not used to," said Sophie, who works for her family business Westgate Tyres in Morecambe.

"I love a challenge and raising money for a charity which my husband may use one day is so worth it.

"Our firefighters put themselves in dangerous positions to rescue other people wearing this kit. We should give them such a huge credit for what they endure for their communities."

LISTEN to Sophie talking to Beyond Radio before setting off on the walk

Sophie has raised close to £600 and if you would like to donate, her fundraising page is here.

The Fire Fighters Charity provides life-enhancing support to the UK's fire and rescue community.

Sophie was joined on the walk by Mags Stryjewska, a retained firefighter at Morecambe, and her dog Rilla.

Earlier this year Sophie also began a campaign to call for safer driving on Morecambe's most dangerous roads.

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