Firefighters at Oldham Fire Station are gearing up to open their doors for a day of fun.
The open day will be free to enter and will take place on Sunday, August 27, with doors opening from 10am to 4pm.
Money raised on the day will go to The Fire Fighters Charity, which helps active and retired firefighters in a number of ways, including support with physical and mental health.
Raffles, tombolas, prizes, and mini rides are set to be on offer, alongside fire engines and even a Pirelli brand Formula 1 driving simulator, meaning there’s something on offer for all the family.
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Firefighter Aaron Lee said: “Definitely come along and have a look. There’s plenty to do for the whole family. Any money we raise on the day goes to The Fire Fighters Charity, which is all for a good cause.
“It’s always a really good day out for the family so they won’t be disappointed, and the kids obviously love it.”
Oldhamers have no need to worry about fire engine availability during the day, with extra capacity made at other stations.
Aaron said: “The control room will look at the staffing. The truck at Oldham will be ‘off the run’ – so unavailable.
“There’s extra staffing put on at other stations so we can still provide the same level of response.
An experienced campaigner, Aaron, who is originally from Chadderton, was one of the first responders at the Manchester Arena bombing, then in his role as a police officer.
He has since founded the Manchester Remembers Foundation, a celebrity football and music event which raises funds for the charities of the Manchester Arena bombing.
The 37-year-old has personally helped raise £168,000 following the bombing, and works closely with the families affected.
In fact, Aaron was inspired to follow his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter after speaking with the mother of one of the victims, June Tron, who lost her son Philip.
He said: “Philip was around my age. It was just one night at the hotel that they were staying in that we were working with them at, she put her arm around me and had a conversation about whether I was happy in life.
“Philip was my age, life is too short and I need to pursue the career dream. I applied to the fire service and I’ve never looked back.
“Me, June and the Tron family, we’re still in touch. We’ve got a really close bond. She loves the fact that she was the driving factor behind me joining the fire service.
“A lovely family, and I’m grateful to them just as much as they are to me.”
Oldham Community Fire Station will be open from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, August 27.
The fire station, located on Lees Road, is less than a half-mile walk from Oldham Mumps Metrolink stop.
Nearby bus services include the 84, 180, 343, and 425, as well as buses serving Mumps Interchange.
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