Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has raised £107,618 for The Firefighters Charity, in a fantastic year of fundraising.

From charity walks to car washes and open days, the service has hosted and taken part in various events and activities between 2023-2024 to raise life-changing funds for firefighters and their families.

Reaching new heights with fundraising this financial year, the total raised is the equivalent to £147 per head, surpassing last year’s £120 and the national average of £104.

Caili Anderson, service coordinator for The Firefighters Charity at SFRS, said: “I am blown away by the 2023/24 total. The goal to reach £100k in 2022/23 seemed like an impossible task, but to exceed that by £7,000 this year just shows how amazing we are when we work as a team to spread the word about the charity and host events. I’m very proud to be the Service Coordinator and can’t thank my colleagues enough.”

Key fundraising highlights from the year also include:

  • National ranking: 6th highest income per head among 52 UK Fire and Rescue Services.
  • Service uptake: SFRS holds the 2nd highest uptake of services in the UK.
  • Community fundraising events: £56,999 raised.
  • Regular giving: £26,700 was raised through salary donations.

Jon Simpson, assistant chief fire officer at SFRS, commented: ”A massive well done to all of our staff and volunteers for achieving this incredible fundraising total.

“The Firefighters Charity provides an amazing range of services for staff and their families, something that my teenage daughter has benefitted from after a serious sporting injury.

“I am so grateful for all of your efforts, without which the Charity wouldn’t be able to deliver their excellent work.”

The charity provides physical, mental, and social wellbeing support to fire and rescue staff, ex-staff, and their families across the UK.