A GROUP of firefighters are all set to tear up the Lake District to raise money for the family of a fallen colleague.

Nine of Leigh fire station’s finest men, along with two colleagues from Bolton, will tackle a 112 mile ride through the hilliest part of the district.

They hope to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and to donate to the family of Stephen Hunt, a firefighter for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service who died whilst battling a fire in Manchester City Centre last year.

Allan Dowell, a crew manager based at Leigh fire station, said: “Quite a few of the firefighters here have been affected or had family members diagnosed with cancer and received great support from Macmillan.

“Losing a fellow firefighter last year brought it home to us what could happen and so we decided to donate half the money we raise to The Stephen Hunt Memorial fund.

“The money will go directly to his family – to the people he left behind.

“We want to raise awareness for both the charity and the fund as well as raise as much money as we can for them both.”

The riders will set out on June 25 and will complete the ride in a day.

“We’ve been training a lot together to prepare for the ride. The hardest bit is going to be crossing the highest peaks having already cycled one hundred miles,” Allan said.

“I’ve done something similar before but others haven’t but the idea is that the camaraderie and the mickey taking – the polite way of putting it – will keep everyone going.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/leighfirestationcycle or drop your donation into Leigh fire station.