On Thursday 21 September 6 Firefighters from Loughborough Fire Station will be donning full fire kit whilst cycling 181 miles on 2 watt bikes over the space of 5 hours in memory of Firefighter Andy Watt. 181 was Andy's service number which is why we have chosen this number to honour him.

We will be outside the Halifax Bank, Swan Street, Loughborough City Centre from 9:00am onwards.

Myself, Steven Giles, Jason Moon, Anna Young, Stu McCarthy and Steve Butterworth will be taking on this challenge for our brother with support from the team motivator, Stu Harrison.

Our dearest friend and colleague, Andrew Ian Watt, passed away on Thursday 28th July 2022. He was one of the kindest souls you could ever meet.

Andy came to Green Watch Loughborough in December 2006 and spent just short of 16 years on the watch.

Prior to joining the Fire Service, Andy served in the Armed forces. Andy joined the Army in 1995 and was assigned to 1st Battalion of the Staffordshire Regiment. Andy served in Northern Ireland and Cyprus. He also deployed to Kenya and Canada for training exercises.

Andy started his Military career in a rifle Platoon but later transferred to a Reconnaissance Platoon, where he stayed until he left in 2002 as an L/Cpl.

He was very proud to serve in both the Armed Forces and the Fire Service and this showed in every aspect of his work, particularly the way he presented himself.

He was always immaculately dressed with polished shoes, his fire kit perfectly presented in the morning and his locker containing personal belongings neat and tidy. He would always be at work early for a shower, shave and sit down for a coffee and chat before starting duty. He loved coming to work and loved Green Watch Loughborough and Loughborough Station.

When you think of Loughborough Station you think of certain characters, Andy was certainly one of them, he was part of the furniture and he is sorely missed by his work family.

His passing came as a massive shock to everyone who knew him and has left a giant hole in many people's lives, from immediate family to work colleagues and friends alike.

We all miss him dearly and in true Fire Service tradition, everyone comes together in a time of need. Please join us in raising £1810 in memory of our dear father, son, friend, and colleague.

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