Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has raised over £8,000 for Ukraine and The Fire Fighters Charity from holding car washes across the county.

Eight fire stations took part in the event on Saturday 26 March including Beccles, Hadleigh, Holbrook, Ixworth, Lowestoft South, Newmarket, Stowmarket, and Stradbroke.

Fire staff were helped by their families and partners, such as the Coastguard, as they cleaned cars, caravans, bicycles, and vans throughout the day.

Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“Although Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has already donated fire engines and equipment to Ukraine, we still wanted to do more to help those fleeing the country who are in desperate need of food and shelter.

“This led to us deciding to hold a day of charity car washes to raise money for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)’s Ukraine appeal and The Fire Fighters Charity, who provide invaluable support to both serving and former fire staff.

“I am very grateful to staff from across our service for giving up their time to make this fundraising event such a success, as we continue to work together as a team to not only look after Suffolk residents but communities further afield.”

The £8,036 raised by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will be split equally between the two charities, and more fundraising events are planned for later in the year.

Cllr Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, commented:

“It is a testament to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service that despite having the demanding job of protecting our county around the clock, staff still volunteered to help others, with many doing this on their day off.

“I visited the car wash at Holbrook and was delighted to see the community come out in full force to support our service’s efforts by making such generous donations.

“Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has raised a staggering amount for two very worthy causes, and I would like to thank everyone involved, including those who worked hard behind the scenes to organise the event in such a short space of time.”

Ipswich company CV Components provided 100 buckets and sponges for the car washes and cleaning products were also donated by Autoglym to ensure that all funds raised could go directly to the DEC and The Fire Fighters Charity.

Those wishing to show their support can still donate to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/team/SuffolkFire.

A further charity car wash will be held at Felixstowe Fire Station between 10:00am and 2:00pm on Saturday April 16.