Icom Supports Around Ireland Challenge
Icom UK is pleased to be supporting members of the Bedford and Luton Fire Service in their charity circumnavigation of Ireland
Icom UK is pleased to be supporting members of the Bedford and Luton Fire Service in their charity circumnavigation of Ireland in a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). The aim is to raise money for the Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice and the Fire Service Benevolent Fund.
The Challenge is between 1100 – 1200 nautical miles and is likely to take approximately 10 days. Their intention is to stop at every coastal Fire Authority along the way. Overnight accommodation will be provided en-route at the Fire Stations. The team have scheduled stops at Bangor NI, Howth Dublin, Waterford, Kinsale, Cahersiveen Kilrush, Clifden, Sligo, Portrush and then back to Bangor. This is the final chapter of their circumnavigation of the entire UK and islands.
The team has an IC-M421 combined DSC/VHF VHF Marine Transceiver installed in their RIB as their main means of radio communication and an IC-M71VHF Marine handheld Transceiver as a backup. The radios will be used to communicate with the Coastguard to keep them informed of the team’s progress and with Marinas and ports.
Phil Sutton Watch Commander for the Bedford and Luton Fire and Rescue Service said “We chose Icom as they are synonymous with quality – having used radios from other operate and reliable. Icom came out very favorably in a featured test carried out by Motor Boats Monthly and, unknown to me, was the fact that the chairman of Icom is himself an ex Firefighter so the choice from our part was obvious”.
Dave Stockley, Icom founder and Chairman said “I was really pleased when Phil got in contact with Icom, as an ex Firefighter myself I’m always keen to support their ventures. Both the charities the team is raising money for are very worthy causes. Everyone at Icom wishes them every success”.
About UK-Challenge
The Challenge is in aid of Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice ( www.pasque.org ) which cares for terminally ill children and there families, and the Fire Service Benevolent Fund ( www.fsnbf.org.uk ) which cares for injured Firefighters and there families. With previous challenges that have so far raised over £6000 and hope to raise another £1500 – £2000 again this year. For more information visit http: www.ik-challenge.co.uk