Fed rep treks 10 miles in full protective kit

12 August 2024

Police Sergeant Rob ‘Swoosh’ Seewoosaha and colleague Firearms Officer Chris Fowler embarked on the 10.5 mile challenge in June (24) in their free time, raising nearly £6,000 for a good cause.

The pair of cops were fundraising ahead of a trip in September, during which they will transport - in their own time - disused ambulances and fire engines to The Gambia, in Africa.

“Trekking over the Malvern Hills was horrible. We set off at 4am, the temperature was low, and we were in full kit - that included steel-toe boots, undergarments, padding, stab vest, arm guards and shoulder guards - plus we carried two litres of water with us and a rucksack,” recalled Rob.

Firearms Officer Chris Fowler (left) and Rob ‘Swoosh’ Seewoosaha (right).

“We also had our shield with us and were wearing gloves and a snood.

“Chris was in agony - the weight of his firearms vest was constantly pulling down on his shoulders. But both he and I battled through the pain, to achieve our goal.”

Challenge

It took around seven and a half hours for the pair to complete the challenge, with their colleague, Police Constable Daniel Brookes, supporting them along the way.

“It was horrific, a really tough challenge - to say I was sweating buckets would be an understatement. But Dan stayed with me throughout, and that really helped,” continued Rob.

The money raised from the challenge will help contribute towards their journey to Africa, which will involve handing over disused ambulances and fire engines to local people.

The journey will take around two-and-half weeks to complete, with them - along with a team of others, most of which have an emergency service background - drive through Spain, over the Mediterranean and down the west side of Africa.

Firearms Officer Chris Fowler (left) and Rob ‘Swoosh’ Seewoosaha (right).

“As soon as I saw there was an opportunity to be involved with the charity, I jumped at the chance,” said Rob.

“It is such a worthwhile cause and personally, will be a huge accomplishment for me. This is a chance for me to see the world and to be with new people - and go on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”

Rob said that as he nears 50, he wants to push himself, both physically and mentally.

“I wanted to do something different,” said Rob, adding: “I love my job - don’t get me wrong - it’s hard, but I love it. This, however, gives me a different focus and allows me to give something back.”

The pair are due to set off to Africa on 12 September. The entire trip and their fundraising efforts are done in their free time.

You can support the duo by donating to their JustGiving page.