Firefighters climb Mount Toubkal for charity

A group of six Firefighters from across Nottinghamshire have raised over £12,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity, having successfully completed their challenge to summit Mount Toubkal, Morrocco.

The team set off to Marrakech on Wednesday 7 September, travelling from Heathrow, ready to start their challenge the next day.

The first day consisted of a seven-hour uphill trek, which started from the small village of Imlil. The route took the group through walnut groves, steep winding valleys and climbed up into the more remote mountains where the team camped for the night at the base of Mount Toubkal.   

The next day was summit day and meant an early start for the team, who were up at 4am to begin the challenging ascent; prepared with head torches and plenty of layers as the temperatures dropped the higher up the team trekked. A few hours in, the sun rose, and the group were rewarded with some breath-taking views. The terrain was steep and shingly towards the top and the pace was steady to allow for altitude acclimatisation, which gave plenty of time to take in the surrounding views of the neighbouring Atlas Mountains. At around 9am the team made it to the summit (4167m).

It was an incredible experience for the team and a relief to have achieved the challenge they’d been working towards and preparing for over the past 6 months. It took the rest of the morning to make their way back to the base camp due to the steepness and shale which meant sections were difficult, but luckily the team made it back to base camp in one piece - tired but in good spirits!

After a second night of camping at the base of Toubkal the team set off on the descent back to Imlil village. They made good time and finished the trek at around midday allowing an afternoon exploring Marrakech before returning home the next day. 

Mary Amos, Firefighter at Arnold Fire Station and one of the six climbers, said: “The highlight for me was the summit day, starting off in the dark with all the stars above you and then the buzz of excitement amongst the team on reaching the summit, especially after such a tough and steep ascent to the top, it was so rewarding. The views were incredible, and it was such a brilliant experience to share together.

“A massive thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged us to take on this challenge. Not only have we met our fundraising target, but we surpassed it, raising over £12,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity. We would also like to thank our two sponsors for this trip, John A Stephen’s and Chubbs Fire Ltd – we would not have been able to do this trip without you.” 

Although the team have successfully raised over their target, their JustGiving Page is still open for donations, so if you are able to do so, please head to their page to donate.

Sylvia Stoneham, Community Fundraiser for The Fire Fighters Charity, says: “On behalf of everyone at The Fire Fighters Charity, I want to say a huge thank you to the Mount Toubkal team – what an incredible achievement!

“The funds you have all raised are so appreciated and will make a huge difference to many of our beneficiaries’ lives – now, and for years to come. Well done to all of you!”

For more information on how the Fire Fighters Charity help people, visit their website.

Keep an eye on our channels, as the team will be doing more challenges like this one in the future!