Two SFRS firefighters are cycling 400 miles in memory of fallen colleagues

Two Scottish firefighters are set to take on a 400-mile cycling challenge in two days in honour of fallen colleagues.

Crew Commander Gavin Callander and Firefighter Grant Baillie are ready to cycle from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) national HQ in Cambuslang to Bicester Community Fire Station in Oxfordshire.

They will do so in memory of firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty in June of this year.

Both Jennie and Martyn were based at Bicester Community Fire Station.

Gavin, 40 , is based at Knightswood Community Fire Station in Glasgow and Grant, 46 , is based at the city's Polmadie Community Fire Station.

They will be joined in Bicester by two additional team members from English fire services, who are running and cycling from respective home stations.

All funds raised from the challenge will go to Fire Fighters Charity.

For Gavin, there is added motivation to complete the challenge as he previously worked alongside Martyn Sadler while working with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

He said: "I didn't know Martyn personally, but we were both at Royal Berkshire at the same time.

"Royal Berkshire is a small brigade and everyone knows everyone.

"I have a lot of good friends there and they've been hit really hard by this. That is obviously an extra incentive and it's why I'm determined that, even if it takes me all night, this will get done."

Gavin continued: "Martyn and Jennie made the ultimate sacrifice while working to protect others, and that's what I'll be telling myself if things get tough while cycling.

"It'll be tough, but in comparison, I'm only cycling for two days. I'll suck it up and make sure that it gets done.

"I’ve had support from Fire Fighters Charity during a tough time myself, so I know first-hand just how much of a lifeline they are. Knowing the money we raise could help someone else in the fire service get the help they need means everything."

Gavin and Grant leave SFRS HQ on Tuesday, 5 August and intend to meet up with their English counterparts on Thursday, 7 August in Bicester.

There, they plan to present flags from their respective services and messages of support to representatives from Oxford Fire and Rescue Service.

A flag signed on behalf of all SFRS staff by Chief Officer Stuart Stevens will be among those presented.

SFRS Chief Officer Stevens: "We were all shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Jennie and Martyn and our thoughts very much remain with their families, friends and colleagues.

"The determination and selflessness shown by Grant, Gavin and their teammates in preparing for and taking on this challenge is inspiring.

"I wish them every success as they get ready to begin their journey. We are all right behind them."

Lyndsay Campbell, Regional Fundraiser for the Fire Fighters Charity, said: “It’s so inspiring to see our firefighting family come together to take on this impressive fundraising challenge in memory of Jennie and Martyn.

"On behalf of all of us at the charity, I wish them all the best of luck and send my heartfelt thanks.

"The money raised will provide care and support to those in need in our firefighting family. Thank you to everyone involved in this challenge that’s bringing our community together through adversity."

You can find out more about Gavin and Grant's charity challenge and donate online.