Brighton fire chief Tom Walby has said thank you to everyone who gave generously to a charity collection at Preston Circus fire station just before Christmas.
Mr Walby, the station manager at Preston Circus, spoke after the public gave £4,526.95 for the Fire Fighters Charity over two days.
He said: “I would like to thank all East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews, staff and volunteers for their support, standing out in the freezing cold, collecting for the Fire Fighters Charity.”
“With less footfall than previous years, we couldn’t have done it without them.
“We would also like to give a huge thank you to the local and visiting community of Brighton and Hove who donated during these difficult times.”
Volunteers collected donations on two days shortly before Christmas – Thursday 15 December and Friday 16 December.
The fire service said that it was the first time since the coronavirus pandemic and added: “Almost arctic temperatures, a ‘cost of living crisis’ and just a general change in people’s spending habits meant it was always going to be a difficult time to get close to the figures we have reached historically.
“Despite the cold weather, those who participated and donated helped make the event a success.
“The Fire Fighters Charity provides services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired firefighters, fire personnel and their families through a range of support programmes including physical rehabilitation, psychological support, recuperation and a confidential helpline which provides impartial advice, guidance and support on a wide range of concerns.”
