Release date: 15 May 2026
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Fire Cadets have once again taken on the demanding coastal walk from Worthing Pier to Bognor Regis Pier, in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.
This year’s challenge brought together the current cadet cohort and previous participants from last year’s walk, who have now progressed into their roles as Young Leaders.
The walk was part of a wider initiative led by the UK Fire Cadets to raise funds for the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports the health and wellbeing of serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.
On Saturday 2 May the young people set off on their 16-mile journey, demonstrating outstanding commitment and teamwork throughout the walk.
They were joined by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service staff and volunteers who supported the group, encouraging the cadets along the route and celebrating their achievements at each milestone.
Along the route, the cadets passed the Fire Fighters Charity headquarters in Littlehampton where they were welcomed with refreshments and a chance to regroup before continuing the journey.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Targeted Education Team Leader, Kate Taylor, said: “We are incredibly proud of both our Fire Cadets and Young Leaders for taking on this challenge.
“Their resilience, teamwork, and commitment to supporting the Fire Fighters Charity is exceptional. Despite being caught in heavy rain for around an hour and a half towards the end of the walk, they remained determined and completed the challenge together.
“It was especially rewarding to see past cadets return as Young Leaders, supporting and inspiring the next cohort.
“The money they have raised will go a long way towards supporting firefighters and their families.”
Fire Cadets is a youth initiative run by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Targeted Education Team at Bognor Fire Station. It is a nationally recognised programme which offers young people aged 13 to 17 the opportunity to gain essential life skills by taking part in a range of activities at the fire station and in the local community.
