A Welshpool fire fighter’s bid to win the race to Christmas No.1 in 2018 has been recognised at the prestigious Spirit of Fire Awards.
Chris Birdsell-Jones (middle) pulled together a group of talented singing fire fighters from across the UK to perform a version of the classic Band Aid hit Do They Know It’s Christmas under the name The Fire Tones.
It did well and reached the top of the physical sales chart, but more importantly it raised thousands of pounds for the Fire Fighters Charity.
And now Chris has won the Supporter of The Year: Firefighter award at The Fire Fighters Charity’s virtual awards ceremony, which was introduced by HRH The Duke of Cambridge.
His award was announced by former England footballer, Les Ferdinand MBE.
“I could not have done it without the support of my colleagues both in Welshpool and those who came together from across the UK to make the single happen,” said Chris. “I also want to say a big thank-you to the local community for their support and also my family and friends. It is an award for all of us and recognition for what we achieved together.”
The Spirit of Fire Awards recognise the fundraising and awareness-raising achievements of members of the UK’s fire services community in their support of The Fire Fighters Charity, as well as the courage of the charity’s beneficiaries in the face of personal adversity.
“It was a monumental effort and required incredible hard work, so congratulations Chris,” said Dr Jill Tolfrey, The Fire Fighters Charity’s Chief Executive.