Firefighters from Royal Wootton Bassett will be climbing one of Britain's tallest mountains, with full fire kit and lifesaving breathing apparatus on their backs.

The Wiltshire team will be taking on the challenge of climbing Yr Wyddfa (formally known as Mount Snowdon) to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity, which offers health & wellbeing support for the UK fire & rescue community.

The team of seven left Royal Wootton Bassett on Friday, and began their ascent up the famous mountain on Saturday morning using the Miner's path.

They will be carrying their full firefighting kit the entire way. 

“We have been doing some extra training to prepare for the climb as we will be wearing fire kit, which is heavy in itself,” said Watch Manager Tom McInerney.

“As well as the fire kit, we will also have to carry refreshments and any other essentials.

“We’re hoping for good weather but not too hot, and we’ll have some collection tins with us in the hope that other walkers on the mountain will show some support,” he added.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The Royal Wootton Bassett firefighters have been training for their climb with the full kit and donation bucket.The Royal Wootton Bassett firefighters have been training for their climb with the full kit and donation bucket. (Image: Ben Kelly)

The Miners’ Track that these firefighters will be taking is one of two paths beginning at Pen y Pass, and has a steep ascent to meet the Llanberis Path heading to the summit of Yr Wyddfa.

These men will be doing the climb in full PPE uniform (helmet, coat, gloves and boots) which weighs just over 20kg while also carrying a compressed air BA set each weighing approximately 15kg, plus donation buckets.

The decision to do the climb came from the crew themselves who wanted to come together to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity as a team.  

The Fire Fighters Charity provides help to serving and retired personnel, their widows/widowers and young dependants through the provision of sheltered accommodation, recuperative facilities, rehabilitation and therapy, as well as giving financial support to those who need it.

The charity makes a huge difference to 10,000 people every year at a cost of £12 million per annum, but these services are financed almost exclusively by fundraising.

For this challenge, the Royal Wootton Bassett firefighters are aiming for a fundraising target of £1,500, but currently, they have reached 71 per cent of their total.

To show your support for these firefighters in their extraordinary challenge, you can donate on their JustGiving page here.