Breathing apparatus concerns dictate fire fighters' cancer fundraising tactics

Post By: Shona Innes

Concerns over breathing apparatus have played a part in dictating how fire fighters in Tyne and Wear raise money for charity.

Thirty South Shields Fire Station workers are hoping to boost the funds of local organisation Cancer Connections, the Shields Gazette reported.

 

Local father-of-two Steve Bruce lost his fight against stomach cancer last January and was a former school friend of fire fighter Steve Brown.

Prior to his death, 40-year-old Bruce had started a 'beardathon' to help raise cash for Cancer Connections, but the local fire service was unable to take part on grounds of health and safety.

 

As Brown told the newspaper: "We can't have beards, as they prevent us obtaining a seal on our breathing apparatus sets, which is why we have settled for Movember."

 

"The majority of us have been affected by a friend or family member diagnosed with cancer at some time, me particularly, as Steve Bruce was a school friend of mine," he added.

 

Movember involves men all over the world growing moustaches and collecting sponsorship money for men's health - specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

 

It started from humble beginnings in 2003 with 30 participants in Melbourne, Australia and has grown to include more than 854,000 fundraisers around the globe.

 

Now the team of 30 fire fighters will be adding their own facial hair and monetary contributions to the funding drive.

 

Cancer Connections co-founder Deborah Roberts stated that the charity was delighted to have the extra support.

 

"[The fire fighters] told us how they knew Steve Bruce when they called into Cancer Connections to see what we do. We can't thank them enough for doing this for us," she told the news provider.

 

There is a wide range of breathing apparatus on the Frontline Safety website including escape sets, air trollies and self-contained breating apparatus.  There is also a choice of re-useable and disposable facemasks and filters.

 

Written by Chris Malone