ATTFE College Learners inspired by Fire Walk 2026 challenge presentation
Uniformed Service Learners from Ashfield and Ollerton Academy Transformation Trust Further Education ATTFE College recently welcomed Crew Manager Lou Needham from Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service for a visit.
Lou was accompanied by her father, Dave Needham, Retired Divisional Officer of Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, for an inspirational session linked to the upcoming Fire Walk 2026 challenge.
Lou shared details of her extraordinary plan to climb Snowdon on 11th April, 2026 wearing full firefighter kit and breathing apparatus, recreating a challenge first completed by her father and a colleague in 1986.
The event aims to raise vital funds for PTSD999 and the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial.
Following the presentation, learners were able to examine and try on the equipment Lou will use during the challenge, providing an essential insight into the physical and mental demands placed on modern firefighters.
Lou Needham said: “It was such a pleasure to come along and discuss Fire Walk 2026 with the Uniformed Services students.
"The challenge is more than a physical endurance test - it is a powerful statement about resilience, remembrance, and the unseen battles faced by those who serve on the front line.”
Lou has been supplied with the latest fire kit, boots, and breathing apparatus for the challenge thanks to MSA The Safety Company and Haix.
Louise Davy, Head of Programme of Study at ATTFE College, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Lou and Dave for sharing their experiences and for giving our learners such a valuable insight into the realities of frontline service.
"Opportunities like this broaden our students’ understanding of the uniformed services, build aspiration, and highlight the importance of resilience, teamwork, and community service.”
Andy Garner, Uniformed Services Tutor at ATTFE College, added: “This visit was an exceptional learning experience for our students. Exploring real firefighting equipment and hearing first-hand about the Fire Walk 2026 challenge helped bring the curriculum to life and inspired many learners to pursue their ambitions within the emergency services.”
The day also marked members of the Uniformed Service’s course wearing there newly designed uniform for use when on visits and in the classroom.
ATTFE College offers a range of Uniformed Public Services programmes aimed at learners aspiring to careers in the police, fire and rescue, armed forces, ambulance service, prison and probation services, and wider public sector. Courses develop teamwork, communication, leadership, fitness, resilience, and practical skills relevant to uniformed roles while engaging learners with visiting services and community partners.
Fire Walk 2026 is a major fundraising challenge highlighting the resilience of emergency service personnel and supporting organisations working with those affected by trauma. By repeating the ascent originally completed in 1986 by her father, Lou aims to honour past generations of firefighters while raising essential funds for mental health support and national memorial work.
Follow or support Fire Walk 2026: Facebook – Fire Walk 2026; Instagram – @firewalk2026; GoFundMe – Fire Walk 2026.