A TEAM of firefighters from Herefordshire and Worcestershire are determined to continue the fundraising legacy left by a former colleague who died aged 46 after a 12-month cancer battle.

Group commander Stu Crebbin died in March after being diagnosed with colon cancer, but his colleagues wants to continuing fundraising for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Last August the ‘Stu’s Phoenix Challenge’ team took on the Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Traverse, despite Mr Crebbin being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD( in January 2020 and cancer in April 2020 and having to undertake intense chemotherapy and immunotherapy sessions in the lead-up to the challenge.

The final total raised last year was £11,384 for the charity, which aims to support those working in fire services throughout their lives.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said the spirit and zest for life Mr Crebbin demonstrated and especially his dedication to the charity is something that he himself wanted to see live on.

So, with this in mind, the team are determined to maintain last year’s momentum.

Hereford firefighter Spencer Jones and 32 colleagues have started training for The Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Traverse on August 7.

"This year’s event will be in memory of Stu Crebbin in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity," a spokesperson said.

Spencer Jones said: “Covid-19 restrictions meant that only family and a few close friends were able to pay their respects by attending Stu’s funeral, so this seems a fitting way to celebrate Stu’s life whilst raising money for a charity that was very close to his heart, and supported him and his family through his final weeks.

“Prior to Stu’s cancer diagnosis he was also diagnosed with PTSD and the charity were also there for him then offering their support and rehabilitation when he needed it most.

“Like with many charities across the UK Covid-19 has taken its toll on the Fire Fighters Charity’s fundraising capabilities.

"It was Stu’s wish, with the full support of his family, that donations following his passing should be made to the charity, and that we continue his extraordinary legacy so other firefighters and their families can benefit.”

The full Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Traverse 24-hour challenge, involves climbing the 10 main peaks within the Brecon Beacons National park, around 42 miles of mountain terrain with 3,100 metres of ascent and the average 80kg person burning around 9,000 calories.

It’s often been described as mentally and physically challenging, but without doubt incredibly rewarding.

Stu’s sister Sam Crebbin will be there on the day of the event and is looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing great stories and special memories of her brother.

The family said: “Stu was dedicated to raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity and specifically asked for donations to be made to this charity on his behalf, we know he would fully support and love this event.

We would like to express how honoured we are at this event being undertaken in memory of Stu, he thoroughly enjoyed this challenge himself in August 2020 and we are certain he will be with you and all that take on this 2021 challenge, so go and make him proud and keep the momentum going.”

Mr Jones added: “The outpouring following Stu’s death from fire and rescue services and colleagues across the country was overwhelming, and showed what a popular and inspirational individual he was – far beyond just the fire service he worked for.

"He made his mark, genuinely cared for people and stood up for what he believed.”

For more information on the challenge click here, or to participate or help with logistics email sjones@hwfire.org.uk.