Pevensey firefighter to take on 50K Julian Alps challenge in memory of father
A firefighter in Pevensey will take on an incredible 50km trail run through the Julian Alps in Slovenia next month in memory of his late father.
Ben Letschka, who works at Pevensey Community Fire Station, will take part in the event on September 18, 2026, part of the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) World Series.
The point-to-point race starts in Žirovnica and finishes in Kranjska Gora, running over and along the Julian Alps.
Ben’s father Julian Letschka worked for the Ambulance Service for 20 years before sadly passing away unexpectedly after contracting COVID-19 during the pandemic.
The firefighter says th at his main motivation for completing the challenge is ‘keeping my dad’s memory alive’ and urges those who knew his father to ‘add a comment of a memory’ should they wish to donate.
Ben said: “My Dad worked for the Ambulance service for 20 years. He was always adventurous and was a keen cyclist. Slovenia was on his list of places he was planning on going to with my Mum, when he contracted COVID whilst in the thick of the pandemic.
“During his recovery, he was jokey as always, and other than the usual banter of him having it worse than everyone else, he passed away without warning. Not one of his family got to say goodbye. He only got to be a grandad (Opa in our family) for less than a year.
“It was my Dad who inspired me to join the Fire & Rescue Service, so I will be fundraising for both the Ambulance Staff Charity and the Firefighter's Charity.
“As soon as I saw that there was a mountain range in Slovenia called the Julian Alps and that UTMB run an annual event over them, it was set. I have self-funded everything for this event, so all of the raised money will go to the charities.”
The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC) supports current and retired Ambulance Staff and their families and relies on support to ensure their services are sustainable. You can donate to the TASC here.
The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist lifelong health & wellbeing support for serving and retired members of the UK fire & rescue community, empowering individuals and families to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives. You can donate to The Firefighters Charity here.