Cheshire firefighter gets on his bike for charity

 A firefighter from Cheshire is getting into gear to cycle over 400 miles and climb the Three Peaks for Cancer Research UK and the Fire Fighters Charity.

Carl Hanson, 57,  will set out on the epic challenge from Snowdonia to Ben Nevis on Thursday 17 March 2016.

Along with a small group of friends, Carl is planning to ride an average of 100 miles per day, climb Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis along the way and complete the challenge within 100 hours. Carl is raising money for two charities, both of which are close to his heart, The Firefighters Charity and Cancer Research UK. 

Carl said: “I’m really looking forward to this epic challenge.  I’ve been training hard for weeks and can’t wait to get going. 

Sadly, cancer will affect all of us at some time in our lives either personally or through the suffering of friends or family. Cancer Research UK needs your support to continue to fund the charity’s life saving research into better, more effect treatments.”

Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated. The charity pioneers research into over 200 cancers, to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. The generosity of its supporters has enabled the charity to lead the world in discovering and developing newer, kinder treatments and get closer to cures.

Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates in the UK double in the last forty years.

Carl continued: “The Firefighters Charity is also hugely important to me. I have been a Cheshire firefighter for nearly 28 years and fortunately never needed their support but it’s good to know they’re there. 

“The charity’s vision is to make a positive difference by supporting people in the fire and rescue community when they are in need. Over the years, they have helped hundreds of thousands of individuals by providing world-class treatment and support services.

"It costs over £9 million per year to keep the Charity running, and they are completely reliant upon donations and fundraising, so your support is very much needed.”