August 7, 2026
1 min read

Firefighter’s 50km Tribute Run for Dad

From Sussex to Slovenia, a firefighter is determined to take on a 50km trail through the Julian Alps to honour his father.
In picture Ben Letschka/Courtesy of East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

Firefighter Ben Letschka, from Pavensey Community Fire Station, has set himself a challenge to take on a 50km trail run through the Julian Alps in Slovenia.

In honouring his father’s memory who worked for the Ambulance Service for 20 years, but passed away after contracting COVID-19 during the pandemic, Ben self-funded this trip to raise money for The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC) and The Firefighters Charity.

“It was my dad who inspired me to join the Fire & rescue Service,” he said.

“Slovenia was on his list of places he was planning on going to with my Mum, when he contracted COVID whilst thick in the pandemic.”

The Covid Inquiry findings reveal that the UK government has mismanaged taxpayers’ money, after almost £10 billion of pounds were spent on impractical personal protective equipment during the pandemic.

The point-to-point race, part of the UTMB World Series, starts in Žirovnica and finishes in Kranjska Gora, running over and along the Julian Alps.

Donations to support Ben can be made via JustGiving:

The Fire Fighters Charity
https://www.justgiving.com/page/ben-letschka-5?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC)
https://www.justgiving.com/page/ben-letschka-4?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

Yan Sorochynskyi

Enthralled by the entertainment industry, Yan is a reporter for The Brighton Starling. He also provides coverage of music reviews, news, and interviews featuring industry professionals. Yan is studying Journalism at the University of Brighton and is keen to work with underrepresented voices.

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