"New recruits" at Cambridgeshire fire service to take on "gruelling challenge" for Peterborough colleague with brain tumour
New recruits at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service are set to embark on a fundraising challenge in support of a Peterborough colleague with a brain tumour.
Nine the the newest full-time recruits will embark on an 18-mile march from their service headquarters in Huntingdon, to St Neots fire station – while carrying a stretcher loaded with 80kg in weight.
A spokesperson for CFRS said the challenge will “cap off” the recruits’ training course, adding: “The group complete their 10-week initial course on Thursday (19 March), and are planning to take on a gruelling challenge the following day, Friday 20 March.
“The firefighters have chosen to fundraise for fellow firefighter, Watch Commander Paul Whitaker, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.
"Paul is currently raising money for treatment for a Grade 3 Astrocytoma, an aggressive and unpredictable form of brain cancer."
The Peterborough Telegraph covered Paul's story back in October last year, detailing how the 42 year-old father is hoping to raise enough money to pay for groundbreaking immunotherapy treatment so he can have more years with his wife and family.
The CFRS spokesperson added: “By taking on this demanding march, the recruits hope to help boost the funds needed to support Paul’s treatment journey.”
Those wishing to support the challenge for Paul Whitaker can donate via the family’s GoFundMe page.