Fire heroes are put in picture
A GRAPHIC artist who created four pieces of work depicting the moors fires has raised hundreds of pounds in recognition of the firefighters who battled the blaze.
Steve Whitworth painted four pictures which were then raffled off at free summer event Midd Fest to raise funds for the Fire Fighter’s Charity, which aims to support firefighters and their families.
Also at Midd Fest, held in Limefield Leisure Park in Middleton, a blind auction was held to raise further funds for the Fire Fighter’s Charity, with a signed photograph of Sir Alex Ferguson, donated by local businessman Chris Malone, as the main prize.
This generated an additional £350 and Chris also framed Steve’s artwork for the raffle for free.
Steve, who will turn 63 this month, attended a presentation at Heywood Fire Station on Friday, September 7, to hand over a cheque for £700 to the fire crew.
He said: “The moors fires had such an impact on us all, really and we wanted to recognise the tremendous work of our firefighters, and in such heat (weather conditions) as well.
“Our visit to the fire station was a great experience, we were made to feel so welcome.
“Hearing how the money raised would be used to provide counselling for firefighters who have suffered traumatic experiences in their line of duty was very heartening to say the very least, bringing home the reality of how important the firefighters are to our country as a whole.
“I know I’m not alone in paying respect and gratitude to all concerned.”