Avon Fire & Rescue Service Firefighters carry a 77kg log up Pen Y Fan in aid of Mental Health Awareness.

Two Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) firefighters took on a powerful and symbolic challenge last weekend—carrying a 77kg log up the peak of Pen Y Fan to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

Lee Ralph and Warren Shepherd, who are firefighters at Kingswood and Bath Fire Stations, undertook the gruelling walk with the intention of sparking important conversations around mental health—something that resonates deeply with them both.

“We wanted to do something physically tough to reflect the emotional burden many people carry silently. Mental health is something close to both of our hearts, and like many others, we’ve had our own struggles. This challenge was about showing that nobody has to carry that weight alone.”

Lee Ralph, Firefighter at Kingswood Fire Station

The walk took approximately 3.5 to 4 hours and included frequent stops for heartfelt conversations with members of the public, many of whom were deeply moved by the challenge. One woman even became emotional and thanked the pair for raising awareness of such an important issue. At the summit, they were greeted with a round of applause—recognition of their strength, not just physically, but for highlighting a cause that affects so many.

“There were moments during the challenge when everyone wanted photos with the log—it became a symbol of the invisible weight people carry. That kind of reaction showed us just how powerful this message is.”

Warren Shepherd, Firefighter at Bath Fire Station

Though the walk was a trial run, it forms part of a larger, upcoming charity event planned for 31^st May, where Lee Ralph and a team will attempt to carry one tonne of gym equipment up Pen Y Fan in aid of the NICU Southmead and Royal United Hospitals Bath. If you would like to know more about the challenge and support, you can donate here.