Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer Jerry O’Brien
is to run, cycle and row the length of The Gambia as part of The Ultimate Challenge. See the flyer here. Note, the challenge is ow complete. You can see the news here.

THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE By Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer Jerry O’Brien To run, cycle and row the length of The Gambia Charitable Trust No 1106650 www.gafsip.org Charitable Trust No 1106650 www.gafsip.org

  Temperatures from 30C to 45C - Roads virtually non-existent (dirt and sand) - River hazards including hippopotami and crocodiles

We are seeking your sponsorship for this physically gruelling challenge that is being undertaken by Avon’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Jerry O’Brien,
over a 10 day period in early 2007

Jerry was born and brought up in East London and at the age of 16 joined the Royal Navy. Whilst in the Navy he was selected to serve in a specialist Airborne Commando unit. During his career Jerry travelled extensively and saw active service in Northern Ireland and The South Atlantic.

After leaving the navy he joined London Fire Brigade, where he served in several roles ranks before joining Avon F&RS as Assistant Chief in March 2001. He was appointed as The Deputy Chief Fire Officer later that year.

On joining Avon, Jerry became aware of this long standing supportive Partnership with The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service. In 2004 he visited The Gambia and it was during this visit that he became acutely aware of the significance and impact that the partnership has had since its inception in 1991. He was fortunate enough to meet the president who endorsed the value of this unique initiative. The impact on the Fire & Ambulance service in The Gambia has been truly remarkable, with the effects also being seen and felt in the wider community and economy.

Jerry’s visit to The Gambia in 2004 sparked something in his heart. Not content with just being a trustee and supporting the charity in the wings, Jerry desperately wanted to do something tangible to raise funds and the profile of GAFSIP. His motivation was based on the impact GAFSIP has had on Africa’s smallest and poorest country. It is making a real and sustainable difference to so many communities. All work undertaken for GAFSIP is voluntary with no administration costs.

Given Jerry’s taste for adventure, he volunteered to undertake this most demanding endurance challenge. He will run, row and cycle, the length of The Gambia, visiting every fire station, together with schools and clinics that GASFIP has supported. The challenge is scheduled to culminate on The Gambia’s National Day, February 18th.

How can you help?

By making a donation to; Jerry’s challenge on behalf of GAFSIP.  Via www.justgiving.com/gafsip/donate or a cheque payable to GAFSIP (Challenge) and sent to The Finance Manager (GASFIP), Avon Fire & Rescue Service H/Q, Temple Back, Bristol, BS1 6EU. Your donation will have a direct tangible benefit to the lives of people in the Gambia.

How do you benefit?

It is anticipated that the event will receive extensive media coverage both here in the UK and throughout the Gambia. All sponsors will be acknowledged on the website and promotional materials with advertising on the support vehicles. If you would like to know more about the challenge, project or sponsorship please visit our website at www.gafsip.org or call the GAFSIP patron David Hutchings on 01454 772529.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Jerry O’Brien, The Trustees of GAFSIP and most importantly the people of The Gambia