Essex firefighters to take on Ultra Challenge to fund lifesaving defibrillators
An Essex firefighter who has turned personal tragedy into a mission to save lives is preparing to take on a major endurance challenge later this month, raising money to fund publicly accessible defibrillators outside fire stations across the county.
Nick Walton, an on-call firefighter at Waltham Abbey Fire Station, will join colleague Dan Pond from Loughton Fire Station on 27 September 2025 to complete the Chiltern 50km Ultra Challenge, which will also support the work of The Fire Fighters Charity.
The Ultra Challenge is a demanding one-day endurance event that takes participants through the Chiltern Hills, with steep climbs, woodland trails and more than 30 miles of testing terrain. It is designed to push stamina and determination to the limit – something Nick says reflects the importance of the cause.
Nick’s determination comes from his personal experience of both losing a loved one and surviving cardiac arrest himself.
In August 2024, his fiancée Nicola Bacon died after suffering an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Only weeks later, Nick experienced the same condition while cycling - but thanks to immediate intervention, he survived. Since his recovery, Nick has dedicated his energy to helping others survive cardiac arrest.
“Experiencing both sides of cardiac arrest – losing someone you love and then surviving it yourself – makes you realise how vital access to defibrillators and CPR knowledge really is,” Nick said.
He added: “We are funding and planning nine defibrillators in Nicola’s memory to be placed outside Essex fire stations, but my hope is that through fundraising we can provide many more across the county.”
Nick is also motivated by the physical and mental test that lies ahead.
“The Ultra will be a tough course, but every step will be for Nicola and the people these defibrillators could one day save,” he added.
“When it gets tough, I’ll remind myself why I’m doing it. That will keep me moving forward.”
Karl Edwards, Director of Corporate Services at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Nick has shown remarkable commitment in using his personal experiences to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and the importance of defibrillators.
“His fundraising will support the installation of more publicly accessible defibrillators, which play a crucial role in emergencies and could save lives.
"Nick’s work will benefit communities across Essex and help ensure more people have access to lifesaving equipment when it is needed most.”
Currently, fewer than 1 in 10 people in the UK survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
By raising funds and awareness, Nick hopes to give Essex communities better access to equipment and skills that can save lives.
The Ultra Challenge will also benefit The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides lifelong physical, mental, and social support to the UK’s fire and rescue service community.
You can support Nick and Dan’s fundraising mission at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nick-walton-595