From left Stuart May, Garry Hernes, Kelvin Wright and Lynn Ellsbury.
FUNDRAISING firefighters from the Isle of Wight have been backed by a major company.
East Cowes-based GKN Aerospace has become the primary sponsor of 100 Here 100 There, a charity cycling challenge organised by members of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, which hopes to raise £20,000 for the Wessex Cancer Trust (WCT).
The trust has been chosen as the focus for all GKN Aerospace fundraising this year.
The 100 Here 100 There cycling challenge has two aspects.
The '100 Here’ section of the challenge will take place on Sunday June 30, starting and finishing at Ryde Fire Station, when Islanders have been invited to take part in one of two cycling rides, either 100 miles or 100km.
The '100 There’ section will take place earlier in June and will involve two members of the fire and rescue service cycling up and over 100 mountains in just ten days across the French Alps.
GKN Aerospace is supporting these events with £3,000 of corporate sponsorship.
The company has also committed to recruiting a group of 100 people — to include senior management and staff and their family and friends — who will raise sponsorship funds and take part in the Island cycle ride.
After 31 years of supporting Island cancer patients, the WCT is to open a cancer support centre in Newport this year.
This centre will promote prevention and early detection of cancer and offer support with all aspects of dealing with the disease — including providing counselling and a vast range of alternative therapies.
It will also give practical assistance to the many Island cancer patients who must travel to the mainland for treatment and diagnosis.