A GROUP of 11 heroic firefighters are well on their way to raising thousands of pounds for charity as they plan to take on a gruelling challenge.

Tom Easter, 32, and ten of his colleagues at Halstead fire station, have currently raised £2,522 of their £5,000 target as the group plans to conquer the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, on May 18.

The firefighters will be hiking up the mountain in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.

Incredibly, the group will climb the mountain wearing their heavy-duty fire uniforms while carrying a heavy fire service ladder.

Halstead Gazette: Trek - An image of hikers at a section of Ben NevisTrek - An image of hikers at a section of Ben Nevis (Image: Pixabay)

Once at the top, Tom and co are hoping to claim the UK’s highest ladder pitch.

With only 60 days until the big day, things are progressing well.

Tom said: “Training is going well, we’ve all been working on our fitness in between our full-time jobs, family and fire calls.

“We’ll be putting in some long walks with the ladder soon to gauge an understanding of how long two people should carry the ladder for.

“We’re all feeling very proud of the funds raised so far. We’ve raised £2,500 which is half of our £5,000 target, so we’ve still got to raise the same again which is a challenge in itself.

Halstead Gazette: Dedicated - Tom and some of his colleagues with the ladder they will carry up Ben NevisDedicated - Tom and some of his colleagues with the ladder they will carry up Ben Nevis (Image: Halstead Fire Station)

“We’re funding the trip ourselves, so 100 per cent of the money raised for the Fire Fighters Charity will go directly to them.”

In an effort to reach their £5,000 goal for the charity, which helps serving and retired UK firefighters and their families with support and resources, the group will take a two-metre-long banner to the top.

Printed by Leading Edge Graphics, in Halstead, the idea behind the banner is to get local businesses to sponsor it by providing a generous donation to group’s fundraising efforts.

Businesses including Howdens Joinery, in Braintree, Millbank Concrete Products, Colne Valley Windows and Agrimix have all sponsored the banner so far.

Halstead Gazette: Render - an image of how the banner will be set out with some of the companies that are already sponsoring itRender - an image of how the banner will be set out with some of the companies that are already sponsoring it (Image: Halstead Fire Station)

Tom said: “We’re asking local businesses to donate to our banner because we’re all part of the same community.

“We help our community and would like to give back to charities that help us when needed, local businesses can pledge money to us.

“In return, they’ll have their name and logo attached to this wonderful cause.”

To find out more about the banner, email Tom at thomas.easter@essex-fire.gov.uk.