Twin sisters take on 30km run to help Algarve’s volunteer firefighters

British twin sisters Kloe and Mariah Bye have announced plans to complete a 30-kilometre charity run from Salir to the Albufeira fire station on September 12 in support of the Albufeira and São Bartolomeu de Messines firefighters.

The 27-year-old sisters – originally from England but proud Algarve residents since 2018 – say the run is part of their Running for Our Heroes initiative. Organised to support local firefighting forces, the idea was born after the pair witnessed the devastating forest fires that swept through Portugal in 2022.

“We saw first-hand the incredible work that the Bombeiros do. Over the years that followed, we continued to see the dedication, commitment and sacrifices they make for our communities, not only during fire season but throughout the entire year,” the twin sisters told The Resident.

“As we learned more about the Bombeiros and the volunteers behind the service, we gained an even greater appreciation for everything they do. We were surprised to learn how many of Portugal’s Bombeiros are volunteers who give their time to help others and keep our communities safe,” they said, stressing that nearly 90% of the firefighting force across Portugal are volunteers.

“They help protect the place we now call home, and when we decided to take on a charity challenge, supporting the Bombeiros felt like the natural choice. They are such kind and hardworking people, and we wanted to find a way to give something back.”

The twins had been looking for a bigger challenge to push themselves further after around eight months of running and completing 5km and 10km races last year.

“Our original goal was to complete a half marathon, but we thought it would be even more meaningful if we could help others in the process,” the twins said.

Running and fitness have become cornerstones of their lives, helping push them outside of their confidence zones. But training for such a daunting task is not easy, they recognise. Kloe and Mariah have been preparing for their upcoming challenge since March.

“Training isn’t always easy, and many of the runs can be physically and mentally demanding, especially after long days when motivation can be hard to find,” they said.

“However, whenever we’re struggling through a tough training session, we remind ourselves of the tireless work our volunteer Bombeiros do every day. Compared to the challenges they face, a difficult run feels very small,” the pair added.

Already raising thousands

Their first fundraising run in 2025 proved just how much supports exists within the local community, when the sisters completed a 23-kilometre challenge and raised an impressive €5,000 for the Albufeira firefighters.

Since then, they have continued organising fundraising initiatives, including a Christmas raffle that generated another €1,000 to purchase equipment for firefighters’ mess facilities, allowing crews to eat and rest between emergency callouts.

Earlier this year, a Spring Raffle raised a further €1,500 for the Albufeira and Messines Bombeiros, with proceeds helping to provide water and essential supplies ahead of the busy wildfire season.

“What started out as a way to push ourselves out of our comfort zone turned into so much more,” the twins say on their Running for Our Heroes website.

“It’s given us something we didn’t even know we were missing – direction, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Every step has reminded us why we started and how powerful it feels to do something that comes from the heart. It’s changed us in ways we never expected, taught us to trust ourselves, and brought us even closer together.”

Perhaps most importantly, they say they have gained a new family in the firefighters themselves.

“The Bombeiros have welcomed us with kindness, courage and generosity. Being able to support the heroes who protect us is the best feeling, and we’ll forever be grateful for everything they do,” they say.

With plans to become an officially registered charity in the near future, the sisters hope Running for Our Heroes is only the beginning of a long-term commitment to supporting Portugal’s volunteer firefighters – one step at a time.

Donations can be made online.