South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
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South Yorkshire firefighters back brave Molly’s bid to raise charity cash

South Yorkshire firefighters are supporting a brave Sheffield girl’s bid to raise vital cash for the charity which supported her care.

Molly Williams, aged 9, was born with a rare form of motor neurone disease, meaning she will never walk or stand without support.

But now Molly and her sister Anya and brother Edmund have spent time training with firefighters at Parkway fire station as she gears up to complete 84 laps of an athletics track- a lap for every night she’s spent in critical care.

Group Manager Paul Bragger, said: “When we heard about Molly’s incredible fundraising challenge, our firefighters were only too happy to meet Molly and her family to help her prepare.

“Our crews have been so inspired by her story, they are planning a string of their own events in support of her fundraising efforts, including 100 climbs of our 32 metre turntable ladder- which is no mean feat!”

Full-time wheelchair user Molly has already undergone two, 10 hour surgeries at Sheffield Children’s Hospital during her short life- straightening her spine with rods and reconstructing both her hips. Sometimes she needs a special mask to breathe.

The Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) charity has supported her by providing specialist equipment to improve her quality of life- which is what’s prompted Molly and her family to launch their fundraising challenge.

Molly’s former RAF mechanic dad Julian is running and walking 100 miles in one mammoth 24 hour session.

Meanwhile Molly, mum May, sister Anya and brother Edmund will complete 84 laps of a 220 metre indoor athletics track on her duet tandem wheelchair bicycle.

The challenge takes place on 28 and 29 May at the English Institute of Sport and Olympic Legacy Park, Sheffield.

For more information or to donate, visit http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100miles4molly

Sprinklers put out fire at Doncaster tower block

Sprinklers extinguished a fire in a high-rise block of flats in Doncaster.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue attended a fire at Hatfield House, Balby Bridge just before midday on Tuesday (26 April) caused by hair straighteners setting fire to some bedding.

The occupant was able to evacuate safely and the fire was already out when firefighters arrived on the scene, thanks to sprinklers which had been fitted throughout the building.

Fire officers say the incident again highlights the value of fire sprinklers fitted in high-rise, residential buildings.

Area Manager Cath Toovey, said: “Fire Sprinklers are a cost effective way of making high-rise, residential dwellings safer – they stop fires from spreading, put them out quickly, save lives and have a long working life span. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built nationally as a leading fire and rescue service for our long standing advocacy of the benefits of fire sprinklers. It’s pleasing to see that not only are housing providers understanding these benefits as well, but that they have done their job at an incident which might otherwise have been much more serious.”

All high-rise tower blocks in Doncaster have been fitted with fire sprinklers by St Leger Homes.

The housing provider’s investment followed a joint, fire service funded project at Silverwood House in Doncaster which further highlighted the ease and benefits of retrofitting sprinklers in high-rise buildings.

The installation was awarded £209,000 by South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority’s Stronger Safer Communities Reserve, which used money set aside from the Authority’s reserves.

Fire sprinklers are now mandatory in all new build residential buildings in England 11 metres or more in height.