THE tenacity of a Cumbrian woman has been praised by fire crews after thousands of pounds were raised to provide life-saving equipment to stations across the county.

Carol Jeffries, from Glassonby, near Penrith, began her fundraising journey in March and was overwhelmed with support from groups and individuals – including some who don’t know her, but saw Carol’s story online and wanted to help.

The 60-year-old, who ran a dog kennel for eight years but retired last year, began her fundraising journey to get 50 masks for Cumbria (costing £90 each) in March, and reached the £4,500 target in September.

It was achieved through donations at several events, including bingo and fashion nights.

She told The Cumberland News: “It all started with a friend of mine who had a very poorly dog.

“Her dog was having cluster fits and needed oxygen every time it had a fit. Each time she had one, she had to take her dog to the vets, which spurred the thought that an oxygen mask would help.”

After looking into it, Carol’s friend came round masks used by the fire service, and then the fundraising dream began.

“That’s how we discovered Smokey Paws, a not-for-profit organisation run by a London couple who raise money for animal oxygen masks for the fire service. They are trying to kit out every single fire engine in the country with the masks.

“The lady at the organisation is from America, where they have these sorts of oxygen masks.

“When she arrived in England some years ago, she was shocked that our fire service didn’t already have these.

“She is on a mission to get masks for the entire county, and relies on people like me to raise for their own counties,” Carol added.

Once the target was reached earlier in the year, Carol sent the money to Smokey Paws, which then ordered dozens of masks which will be distributed across all of Cumbria’s fire stations.

After many weeks of waiting, the first ones arrived in the county just before the festive period.

Stuart Forrester from Carlisle East fire station said: “On behalf of everyone at Cumbria Fire and Rescue, a massive well done to Carol Jeffreys who, through numerous fundraisers and donations, has raised £4,500 to kit out 50 of Cumbria’s fire engines with Smokey Paws animal oxygen therapy masks.

“Each kit contains three sizes of mask, which can be used to resuscitate animals ranging from hamsters, all the way up to the largest dogs; and they are re-useable and environmentally friendly.

“They will be used by the operational crews to hopefully save many animals lives - it’s great to have a specially designed piece of equipment to help resuscitate the animals which we rescue from house fires.

“Carol formally presented them at our Penrith HQ, and even brought an ensemble of furry friends to help hand them over.”

They will be sent to fire stations in the coming weeks to carry on the appliances.