Cambridgeshire fundraisers and supporters shortlisted for The Spirit of Fire Awards 2015

The Spirit of Fire Awards is the most prestigious event in the fire and rescue calendar, recognising bravery within the fire community and dedication to The Fire Fighters Charity, the UK’s leading provider of life-enhancing services for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.
 
The awards - which will be presented in London in October - are a fantastic opportunity to proudly showcase the very best of our fire and rescue service and also to show our admiration for those who have battled in the face of adversity, or performed a heroic act of bravery and courage.
 
Of the ten categories, Cambridgeshire-based nominees have been shortlisted for:
 
Team of the Year: Awarded to a team that has supported the fire and rescue service community by raising funds for The Fire Fighters Charity •Cambridge Fire Station
•Ladies Driving Challenge, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire joint team

Supporter of the Year: Awarded to an individual who has given exceptional support and outstanding dedication to The Fire Fighters Charity in the past 12 months
•Matt House, Cambridge Fire Station

Adult Hero: Awarded to a member of the public over the age of 18 who has shown great bravery when confronted with a fire and rescue situation or carried out a courageous act of humanity
•Nelson Smith, Cottenham

Firefighter of the Year: Awarded to a serving member of the fire and rescue service who has gone beyond the call of duty
•Brenan Morgan, Cottenham
                                                   
 
Nominee details:
 
Cambridge Fire Station
Upon returning to their new fire station after two years at a temporary site, Cambridge fire crews seized the opportunity to engage the local community in their fundraising antics. They got involved with social media and organised a wealth of activities including car washes, engine pulls, street collections and even their very own Cambridge vs Oxford boat race! This dedicated group spends hours after shifts have ended planning events and engaging local businesses and volunteers. This teamwork, dedication and drive has seen them raise almost £14,000 in this time.
 
Ladies Driving Challenge Team
For the last four years, a joint team from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service planned and delivered successful Ladies Driving Challenge fundraising events at Alconbury airfield, raising tens of thousands of pounds over the years, with over 650 participants joining in from all over the country. Each year saw more than 80 volunteers on site, with all kinds of vehicles for participants to drive, including hovercraft, HGVs, sports cars and giant tractors.
 
Matt House, Cambridgeshire
Matt is his station’s Charity Representative and sets an outstanding example to all. With a phenomenal level of commitment to the Charity, Matt keeps himself busy organising fundraising events and coordinating volunteers on station. Matt’s leadership and desire to help others has seen funds raised total over £15,000 in just two years. He never passes on an opportunity, agreeing to race Oxford in a boat challenge despite never having stepped in a rowing boat! He even organised a Charity car wash six weeks before his wedding and a Christmas fire engine pull four weeks after, both of which raised record-breaking totals.
 
Nelson Smith, Cambridgeshire
Nelson lives on a static caravan site in South Cambridgeshire. After spotting black smoke billowing from another caravan on the site, he ran over and rescued grandmother Charlotte Price from her burning home. He went to get a fire extinguisher but by the time he returned, the caravan was engulfed in flames. Nelson then pulled two other caravans to safety away from the fire – Charlotte’s daughter and granddaughter were inside. Nelson’s quick thinking really did save the day!
 
Brenan Morgan, Cambridgeshire
Brenan is a dedicated firefighter who gives outstanding motivational leadership to his team. He is described as an ‘inspirational, transformative and talented’ operational leader. Brenan is an ultra-marathon runner and keen supporter of the Charity, continually striving to help others push themselves, whatever role or rank they hold. While firefighters are often nominated for this award for bravery situations, this nomination recognises that to have a successful fire service on the frontline, people like Brenan must be there to support and lead crews when they are not responding to 999 calls.
 

The Spirit of Fire Awards 2015
 
For a full list of nominees and criteria, please visit www.spiritoffireawards.co.uk. For further information, please call 01256 366 582 or [email protected].
 
The Fire Fighters Charity provides support and rehabilitation services for the fire and rescue community. For more information about our work, please call 01256 366566 or visit www.firefighterscharity.org.uk.