A STATUE of a phoenix has been made in honour of a Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service group commander who died earlier this year after a cancer battle.

The 1.8-metre sculpture was commissioned by Hereford firefighter Spencer Jones as a memorial to Stu Crebbin, following his untimely death earlier this year after losing his fight against cancer.

The phoenix represents the incredible battle he fought, the fire service said, and his positivity to continue living his life as normally as he could while continuing to help others.

"Even in the middle of his treatment last year he completed the incredibly challenging Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Traverse 24-hour Challenge to raise money for the charity that provided him with so much support during his treatment and final weeks," a spokesperson said.

"The impressive sculpture, made from galvanised steel, was designed and created by ex-HWFRS firefighter and Pershore-based blacksmith Steven Ellis Cooper.

"The auction to own the sculpture is now open to sealed bids starting from £5,000, with all proceeds going directly to the charity."

Close friend and colleague of Mr Crebbin, firefighter Spencer Jones, said: “This is a chance to own a one-off intricately made piece of artwork that would be a stunning centrepiece in any outdoor or indoor area, public or private.

“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 and fundraising activity following his passing should support the charity, and that we continue his extraordinary legacy so other firefighters and their families can benefit.

“On behalf the fire service I’d like to thank Steven Ellis Cooper for giving up his own time to create this magnificent sculpture, which represents resilience, hope and strength, everything Stu stood for.”

The launch of the auction comes just a few weeks before a team of more than 40 firefighters, and other supporters, begin this year’s Stu’s Phoenix Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Challenge, which will now become an annual even to remember Stu and raise money for the charity that meant so much to him.

After months of intensive training the team will set off early on Saturday, August 7, with just 24 hours to complete the 42-mile challenge across the Brecon Beacons National Park.

For more information about the challenge, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/stusphoenixchallenge

Businesses or individual interested in making a bid for the phoenix sculpture should email Spencer Jones with opening bids starting at £5,000 – sjones@hwfire.org.uk