Yaxley firefighters told where their money will go

Yaxley on-call firefighters presented three charities with the money raised from their Christmas fundraiser – and heard from two of the charities about how the money will be spent.

Yaxley on-call firefighters presented three charities with the money raised from their Christmas fundraiser  – and heard from two of the charities about how the money will be spent.

In December, Yaxley hosted Father Christmas on their annual Yuletide Ride for the 44th year.

Each year, the station has managed to raise more money than the previous year – this time raising a grand total of £5,175.

Firefighters gathered at the station last night (Thurs) to present the cheques to MacMillan Cancer Support, The Fire Fighters Charity and Yaxley Scouts and Guides.

Event organiser, Crew Commander Jamie Bovington, from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The support and encouragement we get from the local community is amazing and it’s because of this we have managed to raise more money each year.

“It has been really nice to hear from two of the charities we have donated to, to find out how the money is spent. We will continue to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity as well as local causes close to our heart.”

Wholetime firefighter Matt Johnson received the cheque on behalf of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Receiving a cheque on behalf of MacMillan Cancer Support, Regional Fundraising Manager Jessica Levin said: “Thank you so much. I know you all have really busy lives so to do this is amazing.

“There are over 900 people a year in the Peterborough area diagnosed with cancer and MacMillan are there to support those people and their families. A lot of people see us as a national charity but all our services are local so the money the firefighters raised will help us fund a MacMillan Nurse for just under two weeks.”

Kevin Farrant, Group Scout Leader for Yaxley Scouts and Guides, said: “Our old building got burnt down five years ago and we are still in the process of finishing our new building off inside. Everything we do is all done on fundraising so any additional money is fantastic for the group. We will use this money for the flooring and decorating.”

Watch Commander John Cox thanked everyone involved in fundraising, including retired firefighters as well as current firefighters and their family members who helped with collections and counting pennies at the end of each night.

To find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter, please visit the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service website here.