Families and residents support charity life-skills event

Families and supporters came out in force to back a special event that raised funds for local charities and taught vital life skills.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) welcomed local people to Hollins Community Fire Station on Hollins Road, Hollins, on Saturday.  

The event brought families, residents, and supporters together for a day of activities, engagement, and fundraising, showcasing the work of local firefighters while giving back to the community they serve.  

More than £450 was raised and donated to four charities with strong local and national impact including: 

• Defibrillators Save Lives, supporting access to life-saving defibrillators in the community.  

• Team Hill Charitable Trust, who raise money to make a difference supporting local good causes and international projects in Uganda.  

• Miam Miam Celtic u14 Lionesses Football Team, supporting grassroots sport and community involvement. 

• The Fire Fighters Charity, providing essential support to serving and retired firefighters and their families. 

Visitors enjoyed meeting firefighters, exploring fire engines, and taking part in family-friendly activities, all while supporting the important causes. 

The event featured a range of demonstrations and interactive sessions, including CPR and defibrillator familiarisation, giving attendees the opportunity to learn vital emergency response skills that can save lives. 

Pictured above: Steve Hill, founder of the Team Hill Charitable Trust teaching CPR skils. 

Sarah Hince, Trustee of Defibrillators Save Lives, hailed the event a huge success: “It was a wonderful day, working together with like-minded people to support great local charities. Events like this really make a difference in our communities.” 

Adding to the fundraising efforts, Miam Miam Celtic U14 Lionesses took part in a sponsored CPR session, combining teamwork, fitness, and life-saving awareness to support the causes involved. 

Steve Hill MBE Founder of Team Hill Charitable Trust said: “The event perfectly captured what community spirit is all about – bringing families, charities and emergency services together to not only raise funds but also raise awareness and inspire people to look out for one another.  

“We’re incredibly grateful to Sarah Hince and David Holmes, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service for hosting such a fantastic day and for supporting causes that make a difference both locally and Internationally – including our work in Uganda.”  

One of the highlights of the day was a live vehicle rescue demonstration by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, where firefighters cut a casualty from a car to demonstrate their exceptional teamwork, professionalism, and emergency response skills.  

The demonstration gave attendees a powerful insight into the critical work firefighters carry out every day. 

John Ferguson Manager of Miam Miam Celtic U14 Lionesses said: “It was a fantastic day for the team, combining fun with the chance to learn valuable life-saving skills while raising money for local charities. We are always proud to work alongside Team Hill Charitable Trust, our shirt sponsors, supporting their incredible work both locally and in Uganda.  

“The girls engaged with high energy, passion and commitment to support charitable causes and to raise funds for essential team equipment.  

“Something that the football team value greatly. Funds raised will go towards the purchase of new winter coats for next season.  

“A special thanks to Firefighters Dave, Tony, Ste and Alex at Green watch Hollins Fire station who made the day possible.”