The Ironman Foundation is donating $10,000 (£7667.20) to two Bolton-based groups who have been a vital part of the efforts to control a massive moorland blaze on Winter Hill.
Donations of $5000 (£3833.60) each will go towards two local groups whose volunteers have been a central part of the response to the fires – Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, and the Rivington Gardens Trust.
Both groups are still working alongside the Fire & Rescue Services to support fire fighting operations.
With Ironman UK having taken place in Bolton last weekend for the tenth year; the race organisers worked in partnership with Bolton Council and a range of local organisations to make sure that the race could go ahead safely.
Ironman UK and Ireland Managing Director, Declan Byrne, said: “It is the mission of the Ironman Foundation to provide positive tangible impact in our race communities through grant funding and volunteerism.
"In times of disaster, we stand together with our community and local council partners to provide support to help meet critical needs and move recovery forward."
“We’ve been hugely impressed by the efforts of everybody who has been fighting this fire, from the incredible efforts of the fire and rescue services through to the hundreds of volunteers who have been supporting the operations. We wanted to find a way to show our appreciation for everything they’ve done and continue to do.”
Heritage Programmes Manager, Andrew Suter, from Groundwork Cheshire Lancashire and Merseyside, said: “The past two weeks have tested everybody to their limits. Fire fighters have come from all over the country to bring the fires under control, ably supported by Rivington Heritage Trust, Groundwork staff and volunteers as part of the operation.”
“Together, we’ve created fire breaks, cleared vegetation, felled trees, staffed roadblocks and done everything we could to protect the gardens and ensure the safety of the local community. It has been an amazing effort and shows what can be achieved when everyone works as a team.
"We’re hopeful now that the worst has passed and that we can get back to the day job of restoring these amazing gardens so that people can get outdoors and enjoy them. We‘re so grateful to the Ironman Foundation for their generosity. This money will be used to conserve and repair the Terraced Gardens following the fire.”
Diane Blakeley, from Bolton Mountain Rescue, added: “We‘ve had 46 volunteers helping to support the fire service as they tackled the blaze providing support to help move people and equipment in very difficult conditions.
"We’ve also mapped the full extent of the fires, closed paths, delivered food and drink to the firefighters and had members on “spotter” duty observing for flare-ups then directing fire fighting teams to them before they can take hold.
“Our 46 volunteers have put in over 2100 man-hours. It’s been a massive challenge with many of our members in work during the day, then on duty on Winter Hill at night, but as team members we love what we do, we love the moors and we want people to be able to enjoy them safely when the fires are finally put out.”
“This fantastic donation from the Ironman Foundation will make a big difference and will help us to replace or repair some of the equipment damaged over the past few weeks and start our appeal to raise funds to replace one of our emergency vehicles. This amazing donation is even more special as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary of providing a free search and rescue service not only in Bolton, but also Wigan, Darwen, Trafford, Salford, Irlam, Altrincham and Whitefield. Thanks to the Ironman Foundation from all our team members.”
Despite having to implement a late change to the bike course because of the moorland fire, the tenth Ironman UK in Bolton proved a great success with close to 2000 athletes starting the race on Sunday 15 July.
A British double saw Joe Skipper win his first Ironman UK title at his fourth attempt while Lucy Gossage won her fifth Ironman title. This year’s event saw the run course go through Queen’s Park for the first time with the finish line moving back to Victoria Square where thousands of spectators cheered the athletes home.
The race was also broadcast live for the first time via Facebook Watch, showcasing the town of Bolton and Lancashire to a global audience.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Cllr John Byrne said: “The Ironman weekend is brilliant for Bolton and the region as a whole.
“It is fantastic that the Ironman Foundation is honouring local charities who have worked extraordinarily hard in the aftermath of the Winter Hill fires. The route had to change following the devastating Winter Hill fires and all the organisations worked really hard to make sure the event could still happen.”
As part of the weekend, the world’s biggest Ironkids event took place on Saturday 14 July with over 3000 children signed up.
The 2019 Ironman UK will take place Sunday 14 July 2019, general entries are now open on the event website. For more information, please visit the event website, www.ironman.com/uk.