Firefighters holding charity car wash at Bannatyne Club Darlington

Firefighters from Darlington’s Fire Station and the Bannatyne Hotel in Darlington will be making cars sparkle and shine on August 17 in a charity car wash at the Bannatyne Health Club and Spa.

They will be taking part in the annual National Car Wash, an annual fundraising event which is “firmly established” in the fire and rescue calendar.

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Funds raised will go to The Fire Fighters Charity, a 75-year-old organisation that first supported families after firefighters were killed during the blitz, with that supportive work continuing to this day.

For Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps, the donations are invaluable as they support families of firefighters locally and across the country.

He said: “Monies raised through national fundraising initiatives provide a real boost to The Fire Fighters Charity.

“We are delighted that so many of our fire stations are getting involved and would urge local people to come along and support the day.

“Your valued donations will go towards helping thousands of men, women and children from the fire and rescue community during their times of need.”

Chief Executive of The Fire Fighters Charity, Dr Jill Tolfrey, emphasised the importance of the event for fundraising.

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She sad: “The National Car Wash provides a vital source of income for the Charity, as well as being a fun and popular event.

“It costs £8.5million a year to keep The Fire Fighters Charity running – and with no regular government funding, we rely completely on your donations and goodwill.

“You can show your support to our firefighting heroes by visiting your local fire station on Saturday 3 March – and afterwards drive away safely, in a clean car!"

To find out more about the event, click here.