Wrexham father and son to take part in operation The Gambia

Paul McNulty 55, and son Dan, 27, from Wrexham are part of 'Operation Zephyre', set up by The Emergency Services Aid Charity. 

The operation will see 20 emergency services vehicles, as well as a host of equipment taken over to support emergency service workers in The Gambia. 

Paul and Dan both have a connection to the emergency services, with Paul being a retired Crew Manager in the fire service, while son Dan is currently serving as a Crew Manager with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. 

On September 14, the pair will set off from Wrexham in one of two vehicles from north Wales, and embark on a 14 day, 4,000 mile trip to The Gambia. 

They will be joined by other volunteers in the UK, before heading on the ferry to Dover, through Europe and into Africa. 

Dan, who was part of a similar operation two years ago, said it was all about helping out fellow emergency service colleagues. 

MOST READ:

• LIVE: Main road in Flintshire closed amid 'ongoing incident', police say
• Rare and unexpected discovery made by archaeologists in Wrexham
• Retail park in Wrexham placed under new property management

He added: "I was invited in 2022, where we delivered 20 vehicles and equipment to The Gambia, but going there you could see that there was a higher level of demand than we were able to provide and knew we'd have to do it again in two years. 

"We're sending 20 vehicles again, with around 65 volunteers making the trip. Each of them are serving or retired emergency service workers. 

"It's all about helping out the wider family of the emergency services, they're our colleagues, they just haven't got the facilities or equipment they need to do their job. 

"I've made friends over there from the previous trip and they're so grateful. The stuff we take over would only be scrapped here anyway so it's better it goes to them."

Dad, Paul added: "I've serve my community for over 20 years in north Wales, now that's come to an end, it's a good opportunity to help others out. 

"It's about showing what the fire service family is all about. It's really special to actually do something and to drive all the equipment all the way over there."