Ashfield firefighter to climb Snowdon wearing full fire kit and breathing apparatus
An Ashfield firefighter will walk up Snowdon wearing full kit and breathing apparatus to raise funds for the charity PTSD999 (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial.
Crew manager Lou Needham will start her challenge on April 11, and will only breathe air from cylinders connected to the breathing apparatus, other than one five-minute welfare break in each hour to take in fluid.
The ‘Fire Walk’ was first undertaken by Lou’s father, Dave Needham, with one of his colleagues in 1986.
They were based at West Bridgford, and they raised money for the Fire Service Benevolent Fund, now the Firefighters’ Charity, and also the Nottingham City Hospital Burns Unit.
They completed the walk in two hours and 51 minutes which included the time for breathing apparatus cylinder changes.
One of the key difficulties of this challenge is that the face mask can only be removed for five minutes in each hour to take in fluid and overheating is a real possibility.
The cylinders last around 30 minutes so one change has to be done while the wearer holds their breath.
The Fire Walk was done again in 2010 when two firefighters from Central Fire Station completed the challenge, and they also raised money for charity.
Lou decided she would take up the challenge 40 years after her dad did it and he will be there to support her during the ascent.
It will be only the third time this has been done and although the equipment has changed in 40 years, the challenge is still a difficult one.
Lou said: “Fire Walk 2026 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 provided with the most up to date fire kit, boots, and breathing apparatus by MSA The Safety Company, and Haix.
If you would like to make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/f/fire-walk-2026.