Firefighting Yorkshire Brothers Win Big at National Awards!

Kev and Mike Sutcliffe have achieved remarkable recognition, winning both the "Most Outstanding Fire Service Award" and the prestigious "Most Outstanding Overall Award" at the National Armed Forces and Emergency Services Event. 

These honours come after their incredible fundraising challenge, where they raised over £3,500 for The Grenfell Foundation and The Fire Fighters Charity by completing a gruelling endurance challenge at Bridgewater Place, in Leeds.

Kev, who serves at Cleckheaton Fire Station with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and his brother Mike, a firefighter at Acomb Fire Station with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, organised this event to raise awareness for the victims and survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. They conquered 24 storeys, 72 times - each climb representing a life lost in the devastating fire in 2017. Together, they took 138,000 steps, the equivalent of climbing Big Ben’s Elizabeth Tower 69 times.

Kev expressed his gratitude after the awards, "We are truly humbled to receive our category award and are still in awe of being honoured with the Most Outstanding Overall Award. The nominations were deeply inspiring, showcasing the remarkable dedication and passion throughout our forces and services fields. This recognition affirms our efforts and helps us keep the victims and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire in our thoughts. The evening was unforgettable and has further fuelled our commitment to our charitable work. We are deeply grateful to NAFAESE and our peers for this meaningful acknowledgement."

He added, "Our minds have been well and truly blown. Two ordinary lads from Yorkshire scooping a national award of this magnitude truly is humbling. We couldn't have done this without the support of our wives."

The Sutcliffe brothers also visited North Kensington Fire Station in London, where they met the first responders who attended the Grenfell Tower fire. This visit was part of their commitment to understanding the ongoing work of The Grenfell Foundation and supporting survivors.

The brothers aren't done yet! Mike will run the London Marathon, while Kev will participate in an open-water swimming challenge with a four-hour swim. Both will raise money for charitable causes. 

Their next project will support The British Forces Foundation, which works to boost morale for Armed Forces personnel - a cause close to their hearts, having both served abroad.

Congratulations from everyone at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

You can support their fundraising efforts here.

Find out more information on The Fire Fighters Charity here.

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