Firefighters raise thousands for charity in memory of former colleague

The team of retained (on-call) firefighters from the Haywards Heath Fire Station fundraised for The Fire Fighters Charity, in memory of former crew commander Mark Butler who died of leukaemia on May 1, 2019.

The B4B Elfie Selfie challenge was organised by the firefighters as part of a year-long series of fundraising activities.

Earlier in the year, members of his crew shaved their heads as part of their #Bald4Butler fundraising campaign.

They continued with their fundraising last month with the 7km hike around town, pushing a miniature fire engine – complete with flashing lights – while dressed as elves.

Crew commander James Cox said: “Mark was an exceptional crew commander, and we were all very lucky to serve with him.

“We wanted to mark the lasting impact he has had upon us as a crew by doing something a little different.

“Today [November 30] would have been Mark’s birthday and is a particularly poignant day to announce how much money we have raised in his memory.

“The support we have received from people has been incredible, and we are so grateful to everyone who stopped for a selfie with our team of elves and made a donation to our fundraising efforts.

“Without the local community coming together, the event would not have been possible.”

Local businesses including The Urban Sanctuary and Orange Square gave places to stop off, provided food and drink, as well as donation points and special promotions to add to the fundraising total.

Gemma Kent, owner and founder of The Urban Sanctuary, said: “It’s an honour to have played a part in the Elfie Selfie fundraiser raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity.

“Many of our regular clients work at Haywards Heath Fire Station, and we hear many stories from these clients and how they have been helped by the charity.

“For us it was a privilege to help raise money and to give something back to those who help our local heroes, those heroes that work all year round to keep us safe.”

Gary Wall, co-owner of Orange Square, said: “This was such a very worthwhile cause, and particularly pertinent with the sad loss of Mark who was a strong member of the community.

“Firefighters sit at the very heart of our community, and this was something we were happy to support."