Bushfires: Globetrotting firey’s 36-day 800km fundraising hike to raise money for Mt Hunter RFS
A globetrotting volunteer firefighter is supporting his hometown colleagues by embarking on a treacherous 800km hike, expected to take five weeks, across Europe.
Macarthur
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Globetrotting volunteer firefighter David Tricca has felt powerless as his courageous brigade members have bravely battled out-of-control bushfires threatening his hometown.
Backpacking across Europe with his now-fiance since June, the 25-year-old member of Mt Hunter Rural Fire Brigade has spent sleepless nights listening to radio activity of his colleagues on the fireground.
Mr Tricca, who is currently in Bulgaria, said he would like nothing more to be on the fire ground with his RFS brothers and sisters but has opted to help by trekking 800km on a treacherous ancient trail known as Camino de Santiago.
“I racked my brain as to what I could do because I didn’t really want to sit idly by while my brigade was running basically a crew night and day for weeks on end,” he said.
“I just googled what are tough things to do in Europe and the Camino de Santiago was up there – especially in winter it was one of the most treacherous things to do.
“I’m gutted that I can’t be there on the fireground with my brigade but every step of the 800km they will be on my thoughts.”
The Camden man, who resolved to become a volunteer firefighter when his childhood home was threatened by bushfire in 2001, will don his RFS fleece and beanie as he takes on the 36-day trek through France and Spain.
“Our fireys are doing an outstanding job at the moment but any support they can get to keep going means the world, that’s why I’m asking people to chip in – it doesn’t have to be a lot but every cent counts,” Mr Tricca said.
The 25-year-old will begin the hike in coming weeks and is encouraging donations to be made to Mt Hunter Rural Fire Brigade or another local brigade through the official RFS website.
The money raised will be dedicated to purchasing basics for the volunteer firefighters including water, snacks and electrolytes.