Howard (third left) is pictured above at the press conference.

17 June 2009

An Aylesbury firefighter has arrived in the Spanish town of Torrevieja to a hero’s welcome after completing his 1,500-mile charity cycle ride.

Watch Manager Howard Pipkin, who set off from Aylesbury Fire Station on 1 June, is raising money for Stoke Mandeville Hospital Eye Unit Appeal, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Andrew Peel Family Fund. Andrew was a friend of his who died suddenly last year, leaving behind a wife and two children.

In progress reports emailed daily to his friends and colleagues, Howard has described the agony and the ecstasy of cycling up to 130 miles a day and staying in campsites every night.

In Torrevieja, Howard was met by Spanish firefighters, or bomberos, who cycled with him to the Town Hall, accompanied by police outriders and a fire engine. There he met the Deputy Mayor and was interviewed by the British and Spanish press.

The reception was organised by his father Tony and Iain Bennett, who runs a club for retired UK firefighters.

Tony said: “I am of course biased, but I think this is a wonderful achievement and that the people at this end are treating him magnificently!"

Howard said: "I would like to offer my thanks to everyone who has supported me through my training and the actual trip. The escort at the end made it feel really special.

"There must have been at least six TV crews there and several more local papers. It was all a bit overwhelming to say the least!"

The biggest thanks of all went to his wife Elaine and sons Tom, 12, and Mat, 10.

Howard said: "None of this could have happened without them. Their support and encouragement has kept me going all through my training and especially my trip."
 
Howard is planning to fly back from Spain on Saturday. Elaine, Tom and Mat are planning a “welcome home” celebration.

Before he set off, Howard had already raised nearly £600 simply by training! He staged stationary cycling displays at Friars Square and Hale Leys shopping centres in Aylesbury. During these events, he also encouraged more than 30 people to sign up for free safety checks in their homes (see below for more details).

Howard has an online sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/howardpipkin

If you would like to arrange for Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service to carry out a free safety check in your home, and fit free smoke alarms where necessary, book an appointment by ringing 01296 744477, emailing cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or filling in the online form.