Fabulous Furry Firefighters

Firefighters from Leigh and Rayleigh Weir Fire Stations are taking a novel approach to raise money for Cancer Research.

They have turned January into Manuary and will spend the month growing beards and moustaches to try and raise £1,000 for the charity.

Around 20 firefighters are taking part in the scheme.

Firefighter Benjamin Manning, of Leigh Fire Station, said: “There 16 of us at Leigh doing it and six at Rayleigh Weir. The idea is that it is a fun way for us to raise some money for a very worthy cause.

“We have renamed January as Manuary and the most manly thing we could think to do is grow beards and moustaches so we will spend the entire month growing them and then on the first of February we will shave them all off.

“Lots of us have lost someone dear or have known of someone who has been affected by cancer and this was brought even closer to us when one of our own watch members, who are as near to family as you can get, was diagnosed in December 2007.

“With fast and very effective care he is now on the road to recovery of this aggressive and horrid disease and because of this we thought we would raise some cash for Cancer Research helping them with the fantastic ongoing efforts to find a cure.

“We are all growing the silliest beards we can think of so the whole watch looks a little bit strange at the moment.”

You can support Benjamin and the team by donating at: http://www.justgiving.com/thefurryfacedfiremen.