Firefighters and their children climbing Ben Nevis

Wednesday, 29 July 2026 07:00

By Harry Booth

A group of Jersey firefighters will be scaling Ben Nevis alongside their children, in memory of a dad and son who were killed in 2023.

They are raising money for The Firefighters Charity and the Lowe's Legacy Fund, which was set up in memory of father and son Dean and Charlie Lowe, who tragically died in a hit-and-run in Grouville.

Firefighter Richard Wilson's twin sons, Charlie and Archie, went to school with Charlie.

Now aged 14, the boys wanted to do something in Charlie's memory.

Their dad, Richard, said:

"They were in the same class as Charlie at Primary school all the way through.

"They are both sea cadets and are working on their Duke of Edinburgh challenge for sea cadets, so this was a way of linking in to something bigger.

"I have climbed Ben Nevis before as well as the Three Peaks challenge. I am very proud of them for doing this."

Richard discussed the idea with fellow firefighter Marcin Mietelka, who wanted to join alongside his daughter, with others then taken by the idea.

Andrew Gallie and his son, as well as Graeme Stokes and his son and daughter, are also taking part - taking the total to ten.

A £750 fundraising target was set, but that has already been smashed.

Chief Fire Officer, Paul Brown, said:

"This fundraising challenge by Richard, Marcin, Andrew and Graeme and their sons and daughters is a brilliant example of so many things.

"It’s a physical challenge, but the motivation and intent mark it out as special. The Lowe’s Legacy Fund and the Firefighters Charity are incredibly worthy and, of course, there are important connections to respect.

"We know ‘the Dads’, of course, and so it comes as no surprise that their children are adventurous and selfless. The idea is all theirs, and the achievement will be too. I’m just proud the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service is associated with them, and we wish them all well."