A Stirling-born firefighter has climbed to the top of Scotland’s highest mountain - while wearing his full kit.
Tackling Ben Nevis - Scotland’s highest mountain - would be a challenge to most but for retained firefighter Stefan Barr of Auchterarder it simply wasn’t enough and he chose to climb the 4413-foot peak in full fire kit and breathing apparatus to raise money for charity on Saturday, July 3.
Completing the challenge in six hours and 22 minutes Stefan, of Auchterarder Fire Station, also raised over £1500 for the Fire Fighters Charity.
The outing made a stark change from his primary employment as a pensions professional and carrying an extra 25kg in weight tested him to his limits.
Explaining his motivation for the fundraiser 36-year-old Stirling-born Stefan - who joined the service in 2017 - said: “We’ve not been able to do our usual station charity events over the last year and I like to push myself so I decided I’d combine my love of hill walking with my love of being a firefighter and the idea was born.
“I like a challenge and testing myself and this climb certainly done that. Getting to the top felt fantastic, knowing how much money I had raised. I was supported on the climb by my colleague, retained firefighter Darren Ross, who was my water carrier and I’m very thankful to him.
“The charity does great work for people in need and I’m pleased to have raised this money to help support colleagues when they need it.”
Further donations can be made at https://justgiving.com/fundraising/stefan-barr5
Grant MacLachlan, Watch Commander at Auchterarder said: “Being a retained firefighter is all about being a part of, and giving back to, the community. Stefan’s achievement, supported by his colleague Darren, exemplifies the teamwork our firefighters possess and their determination to support people in whatever way they can.”
He added: “We are always keen to hear from people of all backgrounds and walks of life who want to consider a rewarding career as a retained or volunteer firefighter. Prospective candidates should be 18 or over and live or work within 5 – 8 minutes of the station they are applying for.”
More information is available at https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/work-with-us/retained-firefighters.aspx
