Raising money for those down-under

Saturday 15 February 2020

You might have seen a firewoman in full kit walking around the coast today.

If so, it would have been Tyler Thorne, who - to raise money for WWF Australia - challenged herself to walk from Portelet to Town in a full firefighting uniform.

Ms Thorne spent eight of her childhood years growing up in Australia and, while she now lives in Guernsey, still retains her Australian citizenship.

Because of that, all of the relief efforts for the ongoing Australian wild fires are very close to her heart. 

"The total walk will be approximately 15.4 miles and will follow the same route as the Guernsey Half Marathon - with the addition of 2.3 miles at the beginning from Portelet to the Shingle Bank Nature Reserve at the Route De La Roque," she said.

Pictured: Ms Thorne will walk over 15 miles. 

Ms Thorne is going to wearing the full firefighting uniform, including an oxygen cylinder, all kindly donated by the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service: "The firefighting uniform will consist of fire retardant trousers, jacket, helmet with chin strap and a self contained breathing apparatus cylinder.

"People all over the world have been extremely generous during this crucial time in Australia however, I have selected two charities that have had slightly less public awareness as of late. I would like half of the donations to go toward humanitarian aid (Rotary Club) and half toward wildlife restoration (WWF)."

Pictured: GFRS have kindly lent Ms Thorne the kit for her to do the walk. 

So far, Ms Thorne has raised £1,047 for the two charities on her JustGiving page. 

While much of the news coverage surrounding the Australian fires has been looking at New South Wales, Ms Thorne lived in Perth which has also, like most of the country, been affected.

She added: "The country is still in the midst of the summer months, therefore more heat and windy conditions are forecast. It has been suggested it will take hundreds of years for the country to recover from this disaster which is why I want to help in whatever way I can - any small donation will help me in achieving my goal and will go a long way in helping Australian citizens, wildlife and habitats."

To donate to Ms Thorne's fundraiser, click here.