Conquering peaks for fallen fireman

Published on Monday 12 October 2009 10:00

FRIENDS and colleagues of fallen firefighter Ewan Williamson are set to take on a mammoth charity abseil in his memory.

Thirteen firefighters based at Tollcross fire station will, using ropes, ascend and descend the combined height of the Three Peaks – 3,407 metres – to raise funds for The Ewan Williamson Trust and The Fire Fighters Charity.

The Three Peaks are Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1,085m) – the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales respectively.

The abseil will take place at Edinburgh's Sheraton Hotel Spa building on 28 October. Each firefighter will ascend and descend around 15 times.

The event follows a charity fundraiser held at Tynecastle in August, in which football fans raised over 5,000 in memory of the 35-year-old.

The money was collected from the supporters at the Hearts against Rangers game, and was the largest charity collection to take place at Tynecastle.

It has now been donated to The Fire Fighters Charity to help colleagues injured on duty.

Mr Williamson died while battling a fire at the Balmoral bar in Dalry Road in July.

The Evening News campaign to posthumously award him the Queen's Gallantry Medal has already been backed by his family and friends, and by politicians.

Mr Williamson had been part of a team of firefighters who saved 20 people, including a baby, from the flat above the Balmoral bar.

Shops, bars and restaurants across the city have also backed the campaign to honour the firefighter by displaying posters and hosting petitions.

The firefighters taking part in the abseil are all members of the White Watch.

Abseil organiser and member of the watch, Fraser MacDonald, 40, said: "Many people have been affected by Ewan's death and the team are keen to raise as much sponsorship for his trust fund, and the charity, as possible.

"We know that this will not be an easy challenge but all team members are in good spirit and have been practising whenever they can to make it easier."

People are urged to come along and show their support on the day, with the event kicking off at 9am and expected to run for around five to six hours. The firefighters hope to raise around 1,000, and have already gathered 225.

To sponsor, visit www.justgiving.com/three-peaks-abseil