Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service firefighters to cycle 1,000 miles from Land’s End, England, to John O’Groats, Scotland, to raise funds for The Firefighters Charity

Firefighters from across Suffolk are to cycle an epic 1,000 mile journey across Britain in around 10 days later this year, raising money for charity and awareness of mental health along the way.

The 20-strong team will be taking part in the Land's End to John O'Groates challenge, which sees cyclists set off from the south-west coast of England and finish in the north-east of Scotland.

The group will begin on September 20, stopping off at fire stations along the way, chronicling their journey with personal videos and discussing mental health with those they come into contact with.

The challenge is all in aid of The Firefighters Charity, which offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community.

Ken Williamson, area manager, of Bury St Edmunds, said preparation for the challenge had made him feel he was part of something bigger.

"It's that shared experience of maintaining the training regime," he said.

"To feel you are part of something bigger has really helped."

Pre-pandemic, nearly 50 per cent of firefighters across the UK were reporting issues with their mental health to The Firefighters Charity.

Laura Challis, corporate and community events fundraiser for the charity, said addressing those concerns was of crucial importance, especially in the aftermath of coronavirus, which has hit the charity hard financially.

"It's huge what this group (Suffolk firefighters) are doing," she said.

"They are saving lives ultimately.

"We know mental health cases are on the rise and we are very grateful to the group for doing what they are doing."

Darren Cooper, event organiser, formally of Haverhill, said the team were hoping to speak to as many people as possible along the route, in the hope it would break down the stigma of talking about mental health.

"It's not just about biking across the country, but taking the mental health message with us," he said.

"We have seen how much covid has affected everyone.

"It doesn't matter what your mental health was like before, it affects all of us."

He added: "I just hope the team reaches one person on this."

Darren said the team were well-prepared and would be 'ready to go tomorrow'.

To find out more, and to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/longestride

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