Mercedes revs up fire crews for memorial tandem ride

From the archive, first published Wednesday 18th Apr 2007.

Hollyoaks actress and Bradford lass Jenny Metcalfe will wave off firefighters when they take on a marathon charity tandem bike ride in memory of a colleague on Saturday.

Jenny, who plays Mercedes McQueen in the soap, will support the 12-strong crew at Odsal fire station, who will take part in a relay ride to each of West Yorkshire's 48 fire stations in 24 hours.

The event is in aid of fire control room operator Trudy Ramsden, who lost a short battle with a brain tumour last December aged 46. She was dubbed one of the service's "hidden heroes" by colleagues.

The mum-of-one, of Wyke, was credited with helping to save countless lives during her 28 years with the fire service by calmly giving advice to people making 999 calls.

Her husband, Phil, who works as a firefighter at Odsal, will support his colleagues on the day.

He said: "We wanted to involve every West Yorkshire station, which Trudy was linked to through working in mobilising and communications, and we wanted to involve control.

"I think she would have been overwhelmed but she would have said, What's all the fuss about?'

She inspired a lot of people. We want to make as much money as we can and do this every year in Trudy's memory."

Starting from West Yorkshire Fire Service headquarters in Birkenshaw, Bradford, firefighters in Odsal's Blue Watch hope to complete the 250-mile ride to the 48 stations in 24 hours, radioing the control room where Trudy worked each time.

Trudy's 23-year-old son Daniel will also be supporting the event by riding alongside the firefighters.

It is hoped £5,000 will be raised on the day, which will be split between Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund. But fundraising events will continue and it is hoped the figure will double by the end of the year

Odsal watch manager Richard Hall, who knew Trudy, said: "She was like a second mum to my son Matthew. She was fantastic. Everyone had respect for her and she is deeply missed by family, friends and colleagues.

"The bike ride is something we have put together to try to encapsulate the spirit of Trudy and get everyone involved. In her last few weeks her energy and bubbly personality were an inspiration.

"We knew she was poorly and you would go to see her fearing the worst - and Trudy would cheer you up. A real fighting spirit shone through her, particularly towards the end."

People are being encouraged to support the event and there will be attractions, including a bouncing castle, at fire service headquarters.

e-mail: mel.fairhurst

@bradford.newsquest.co.uk