Fire crew take on Isle of Wight in aid of Wight Brainy Bunch

Ryde Green Watch got day one of their three-day Green v Wight Shoreline Challenge — in aid of brain tumour charity, The Wight Brainy Bunch — underway yesterday (Friday). 

The firefighters are trying to get right round the Isle of Wight by walking, running and swimming — clocking up the charity cash as they clock up the miles.

Getting started at Hovertravel, Ryde, at 5am, they headed anti-clockwise around the Island and passed The Needles by kayak on the first day, then they started from Freshwater Bay at around 8.30am this morning (Saturday) with the aim of reaching Ventnor or Shanklin, via St Catherine’s Point, by the end of the day, then the final leg on to Culver Cliff, finishing at around 4pm at Hovertravel tomorrow (Sunday).

The Green Watch team at the start point, Hovertravel, in Ryde, at 5am yesterday (Friday).

The Green Watch team at Totland, about to kayak around The Needles.

One of the Green Watch team said of yesterday's efforts: "Brilliant first day. We walked, clambered, waded, swam, kayacked, laughed and raised money and awareness for The Wight Brainy Bunch.

"Thanks to everyone for all the support."

The idea for the fundraiser was hatched by watch manager, Chas Wright. Newport Fire Station's Green Watch took on a similar challenge 16 years ago.

Read: Walk run scramble and swim as Ryde firefighters take on coast for charity

The Wight Brainy Bunch was set up by Green Watch firefighter, Mark Grimes, and his wife, Kathryn, when Mark was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015.

He had a second surgery in 2019, but he will be part of the crew taking on the challenge.

Here's how you can support Ryde Green Watch's challenge:

• To donate £5 to the the Ryde Green Watch challenge, text GREEN to 70460
• To donate more, text GREEN followed by the amount (for example GREEN10 will donate £10).
• Visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/greenvswight
• Visit: thewightbrainybunch.org.uk/donate/