Bo’ness firefighters take inspiration from Toy Story to help send young boy with leukaemia on dream holiday

Bighearted Bo’ness firefighters captured the spirit of Toy Story when they completed a gruelling 24-hour challenge – and raised enough money to send a three-year-old boy with leukaemia on the trip of a lifetime.

Spurred on by the Disney Pixar film’s theme song, You’ve Got A Friend In Me, the crew conquered over 40 miles of tough terrain for friend and former colleague, Andi Galloway, and his three-year-old son, Archie.

Andi is now Station Commander for Larbert, Denny and Slamannan. Little Archie was diagnosed with leukaemia in March, and has been undergoing intensive chemotherapy.

Andi and his wife Lisa, who live in Bathgate, West Lothian, have received much support from Andi’s former watch, who have been a constant help during this difficult time.

Firefighters from Bo’ness captured the spirit of Toy Story when they completed a gruelling 24-hour challenge.

Ross Maxwell, Chris Bates, Martin McCaig and David Young completed the Lake District 24 peaks in 24 hours. In 16.5 hours, they covered over 40 miles walking, climbing and descending, and nearly reaching 100,000 steps.

Martin Chapman was also instrumental in the planning but, unfortunately, he was unable to take part in the challenge.

Ross said: “We wanted to do something different and challenge ourselves mentally and physically.”

The group also took Archie’s toy Woody on the trek, and kept Archie updated with photos from his adventures, while Chris wore a Woody costume.

Ross said: “Chris is good friends with Andi and dressed as Woody at various stages. I don’t believe the costume made it back in one piece!”

Apart from tough terrain, there was appalling weather to contend with.

Ross said: “The Saturday was horrific. We were soaked through. The rain and wind was constant and visibility almost non-existent.

"Thankfully, the rain stopped on Sunday. It was a great experience – a very difficult one, and a great sense of achievement.”

They set themselves a fundraising target of £500 and, so far, they have raised over £4,000, with the aim of giving Andi and his family a lifetime trip to somewhere like Disney World.

Ross said: “All the crew have known Archie since he was born. We wanted to create a shining light at the end of the tunnel for Archie, his little sister Leah, Andi and Lisa to give them something to look forward to once their difficult time was at an end.”

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